Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen (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. He is the grandson of Lego founder Ole Kirk Christiansen.

Early life and education

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. He also appeared on many of the company's packages and marketing materials. 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.

Business career

In 1979, Kristiansen became president and CEO of The Lego Group. He introduced themes, minifigures, LEGO.com, Lego Mindstorms and licensed properties. 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. Lego is privately held and is controlled by the Kristiansen family and their foundations.

Personal life

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. In 1995, Kristiansen bought Strathconon Estate, in the highlands of Scotland, covering 60000 acre. He later bought the neighbouring Scardroy and Ledgowan estates.

Awards

He has received many awards in his professional career.