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Danish billionaire and businessman From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen R.1 (Danish pronunciation: [ˈkʰelˀ ˈkʰiɐ̯k kʰʁeˈstjænˀsn̩]; born 27 December 1947) is a Danish businessman who was the president and CEO of The Lego Group from 1979 to 2004. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Kristiansen is the third richest Dane, with a net worth of US$7.26 billion as of April 2024.[2] He is the grandson of Lego founder Ole Kirk Christiansen.
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen | |
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![]() Kristiansen in 2018 | |
Born | Billund, Denmark | 27 December 1947
Alma mater | Aarhus University (BA) IMD Business School (MBA) |
Occupation | Businessperson |
Known for | Former CEO and deputy chairman of The LEGO Group |
Title | President of The Lego Group |
Term | 1979 – 2004 |
Predecessor | Vagn Holck Andersen[1] |
Successor | Jørgen Vig Knudstorp |
Spouse | Camilla Kristiansen |
Children | |
Father | Godtfred Kirk Christiansen |
Relatives | Ole Kirk Christiansen (grandfather) |
Kristiansen was born 27 December 1947 in Billund, Denmark. His father, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, worked with his grandfather, Ole Kirk Christiansen, in the family business: Lego. As a child, he often inspired and tested new model concepts and their building instructions.[3] He also appeared on many of the company's packages and marketing materials.[3]
Kristiansen graduated with a bachelor's degree from Aarhus University. In 1972, he received a MBA from the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland.[2][4]
In 1979, Kristiansen became president and CEO of The Lego Group. He introduced themes, minifigures, LEGO.com, Lego Mindstorms and licensed properties.[3] In 2004, he stepped down as president and CEO to focus on his role as owner of the Lego Group and vice-chairman of the board, while maintaining his role as chairman of the board of KIRKBI A/S, Lego Holding A/S and the Lego Foundation.[3] Lego is privately held and is controlled by the Kristiansen family and their foundations.
Kristiansen and his wife, Camilla, live in Denmark and have three children: Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, Sofie Kirk Kristiansen, and Agnete Kirk Thinggaard, a Danish Olympic dressage rider.[5]
In 1995, Kristiansen bought Strathconon Estate, in the highlands of Scotland, covering 60,000 acres (24,000 ha). He later bought the neighbouring Scardroy and Ledgowan estates.[6][7]
He has received many awards in his professional career.
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