Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen
|
|
|---|---|
Kristiansen in 2018
|
|
| Born | 27 December 1947 Billund, Denmark
|
| Alma mater | Aarhus University (BA) International Institute for Management Development (MBA) |
| Title | President and CEO of The Lego Group (1979–2004) |
| Spouse(s) | Camilla Kristiansen |
| Children |
|
| Parent(s) |
|
| Relatives | Ole Kirk Christiansen (grandfather) |
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen was born on December 27, 1947. He is a Danish businessman. He used to be the head of The Lego Group from 1979 to 2004. He is the grandson of Ole Kirk Christiansen, who started Lego. As of March 2025, he was one of the richest people in Denmark.
Early Life and School
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen was born in Billund, Denmark. His father, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, worked with Kjeld's grandfather, Ole Kirk Christiansen. They worked together in their family business, Lego.
When Kjeld was a child, he helped Lego a lot. He would often test new Lego models. He also helped check the building instructions. You might have even seen him on some of Lego's product boxes and in their ads!
Kjeld went to Aarhus University and earned a bachelor's degree. Later, in 1972, he got a master's degree in business from a school in Switzerland. This school was called the International Institute for Management Development.
Leading the Lego Group
In 1979, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen became the president and CEO of The Lego Group. During his time as leader, he brought many new and exciting things to Lego.
He helped create new Lego themes. He also introduced the popular minifigures. He helped launch LEGO.com, the company's website. He also played a part in creating Lego Mindstorms, which lets you build and program robots. Kjeld also helped Lego work with other companies to make toys based on popular movies and stories.
In 2004, Kjeld stepped down from being the president and CEO. He wanted to focus more on being an owner of the Lego Group. He also became the vice-chairman of the board. He continued to be the chairman of the board for other important Lego companies. The Lego company is owned by the Kristiansen family and their foundations.
Family Life
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen lives in Denmark with his wife, Camilla. They have three children. Their children are Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, Sofie Kirk Kristiansen, and Agnete Kirk Thinggaard. Agnete is a Danish Olympic dressage rider. Dressage is a type of horse riding where riders guide horses through a series of movements.
In 1995, Kjeld bought a large piece of land in Scotland. It was called Strathconon Estate. It covered a very big area. Later, he bought two more nearby estates.
Awards and Recognition
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen has received many awards for his work.
- He was honored as a Knight 1st Class (Officer) in Denmark's Order of the Dannebrog.
- In 1996, he received The Freedom Prize from a foundation in Switzerland.
- Also in 1996, he got the Distinguished Family Business Award from the International Institute for Management Development.
- He received an award from the Korean government called the Moran (Peony) insignia.
- He also received the Founder's Award from Dean Kamen.
- In 2008, he was added to the National Toy Hall of Fame. This Hall of Fame started in 1984. It honors people who have made big contributions to the toy industry. Kjeld's grandfather, Ole Kirk Christiansen, who founded Lego, was also inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 1989.
See also
In Spanish: Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen para niños
