A TRANSITION THAT began in 2016 is now complete, as Thomas Kirk Kristiansen has been appointed Chairman of KIRKBI A/S, the LEGO Group’s parent company that manages the investments of the Kirk Kristiansen family.
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the third-generation owner of the LEGO Group, has passed responsibilities to his son over the past seven years, with this marking the final role for Thomas to take on. A plan to ensure that the LEGO Group remains under the ownership of the Kirk Kristiansen family means that each generation will have a ‘most active’ owner, who will represent the whole family. For the fourth generation, that person is Thomas Kirk Kristiansen.
Since 2016, he has taken on the roles of Chairman of the LEGO Group Board of Directors and Chairman of the LEGO Foundation, leading to this final role as Chairman of KIRKBI A/S.
‘The active family ownership of the LEGO brand and KIRKBI’s activities has been fundamental for our family through generations,’ Thomas said. ‘It is therefore a great joy being able to continue the family ownership now in the fourth generation at a time where the LEGO brand is engaging more people than ever, giving us a unique opportunity to play a positive role for children and adults around the world with learning through play.
‘At the same time, the financial strength of KIRKBI provides an opportunity to significantly contribute to the much-needed green transition through our investments. Making a positive impact for children and the environment is close to my heart and vital for our common future. So, I feel privileged taking over the baton from my father today and look forward to continuing the work until it becomes my turn to pass on the responsibility to the fifth generation.’