Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen
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Kristiansen in 2018
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| Born | 27 December 1947 Billund, Denmark
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| 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 |
| Successor | Jørgen Vig Knudstorp |
| Spouse(s) | Camilla Kristiansen |
| Children |
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| Parent(s) |
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| Relatives | Ole Kirk Christiansen (grandfather) |
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen (born 27 December 1947) is a Danish businessman. He was the president and CEO of The Lego Group from 1979 to 2004. He is one of the richest people in Denmark. Kjeld is the grandson of Ole Kirk Christiansen, who founded Lego.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen was born on December 27, 1947, in Billund, Denmark. His father, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, worked with Kjeld's grandfather in the family business, Lego.
When Kjeld was a child, he helped Lego in a special way. He often tested new Lego models and their building instructions. He even appeared on many of the company's product packages and in their advertisements!
Kjeld went to Aarhus University and earned a bachelor's degree. Later, in 1972, he received his MBA (Master of Business Administration) from a business school in Switzerland.
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 introduce popular Lego themes, like Lego Castle and Lego Space. He also played a big part in creating the famous minifigures that are in almost every Lego set today.
Under his leadership, Lego also launched its first website, LEGO.com. He helped create Lego Mindstorms, which lets you build and program robots with Lego bricks. He also brought in licensed properties, meaning Lego could make sets based on popular movies and stories.
In 2004, Kjeld stepped down as president and CEO. He wanted to focus more on his role as an owner of the Lego Group. He also continued to be the chairman of the board for KIRKBI A/S, Lego Holding A/S, and the Lego Foundation. The Lego company is privately owned by the Kristiansen family and their foundations.
Family Life
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen and his wife, Camilla, live in Denmark. They have three children: Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, Sofie Kirk Kristiansen, and Agnete Kirk Thinggaard. Agnete is a Danish Olympic dressage rider, which is a type of horse riding.
Awards and Recognition
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen has received many important awards for his work.
- He was made a Knight 1st Class (Officer) of Denmark's Order of the Dannebrog.
- In 1996, he received The Freedom Prize from a foundation in Switzerland.
- He also got the Distinguished Family Business Award in 1996.
- The Korean government gave him the Moran (Peony) insignia of the Order of Civil Merit.
- He received the Founder's Award from Dean Kamen, a famous inventor.
- In 2008, he was added to the National Toy Hall of Fame. This Hall of Fame honors people who have made big contributions to the toy industry. His grandfather, Ole Kirk Christiansen, who founded Lego, was also inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 1989.
See also
