Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen is a Danish businessman who was born on 27 December 1947, and is best known as being the former president and CEO of The Lego Group company from 1979 until 2004.
So just how rich is Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen? Sources estimate that Kristiansen’s net worth is now close to $12.9 billion dollars, his wealth having been earned from his career as a businessman which started in 1979; largely from his time with Lego, such that he is now considered to be the richest person in Denmark.
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen Net Worth $12.9 Billion
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen was born in Billund, Denmark to Godtfred Kirk Kristiansen the managing director of The Lego Group, and Edith Kirk Kristiansen – his grandfather was Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the founder of the Danish construction toy company the Lego Group. which was founded in 1932. Since Kjeld was a child, he was often inspired and tested new Lego model concepts and their building instructions. He also frequently appeared in many of The Lego Group company’s marketing materials.
However, Kjeld did not neglect his education, graduating with a BA in arts/science from Aarhus Business School, followed by a MBA from the International Institute for Management and Development. He then joined the family company in the early 1970s – the word Lego is derived from the Danish words “leg godt”, meaning “play well”, The history of Lego spans nearly 100 years, beginning with the creation of small wooden playthings during the early 20th century. Manufacturing of plastic Lego bricks began in Denmark in 1947, but since has grown to include factories throughout the world. Today, the company is an iconic brand, and Kjeld owns 75% of the company, clearly forming the bulk of his net worth.
However, Kjeld also owns 30% of Merlin Entertainment, which aside from Lego itself, also comprises several famous brands which includes the Madame Tussauds wax museums, as well as a range of resorts and theme parks, plus hotels in 25 countries. This involvement also contributes to Kjeld’s net worth.
The Lego Group is inherited through three generation started with Ole through to Kjeld, so there is no doubt that Kjeld has made great efforts keeping the company running, and increasing the companies stocks and making it a competitive company, such that its value is now over $14 billion, and its annual sales well over $4 billion, surpassing competitors such as Matel
Kjeld became CEO and President of Lego in 1979, and stepped down in 2004 to concentrate on the job of ownership. However, he is also the Chairman of the Lego Board Holding A/S, LEGO Foundation and KIRKBI A/S. He is still well occupied, including ensuring that profitability is maintained, along with his own net worth.
Kjeld has earned many awards such as: Knight of Denmark’s Dannebrog Order, and Moran (Peony) insignia of the Order of Civil Merit from the Korean government among others. In 2008, he was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame.
In his personal life, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen is married to Camilla, and they have three children and two grandchildren.
