USA





























Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen is the third generation of the Kristiansen family to lead the LEGO Group. He holds an MBA degree from IMD in Schwitzerland and since 1979 he has been the CEO with the overall responsibility for the world wide company, which besides LEGO factories in Denmark and abroad includes four LEGOLAND themeparks in Denmark, England, California and Germany.
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen describes children as role models, because of their curiosity, creativity and fantasy. This is reflected in LEGO?s overall focus on learning through playing, which is exemplified by for instance the LEGO bricks and the initiative LEGO Educational Division.

At the appointment to Hans Christian Andersen Ambassador Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen said:
"Like most Danes, Hans Christian Andersen's fairytales have been very significant to me. First and foremost they are imaginative and exciting for children and grown ups - filled with wisdom and often a humoristic twist. They are so fascinating that we can read them over and over again and every time we find new details. Another reason for my strong emotions towards the fairytales is the fact that in many ways they share the qualities of the LEGO bricks. Just like our bricks they address the fantasy and creativity, and just like our bricks they have a universal voice."