Family ownership
KIRKBI is owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family, who founded the LEGO Group in 1932. Since then, the family ownership has been passed down from generation to generation – and the LEGO Group and LEGO® brand is still owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family through KIRKBI to this day
Building a better future for children
Our purpose to make a positive difference for children dates back to 1932, when Ole Kirk Kristiansen began crafting toys in Billund, guided by the principle that, when it comes to children, “only the best is good enough”. Grounded in generations of family ownership, this commitment – and the values that unite KIRKBI and the LEGO® ecosystem - drives us forward.
Building a better future for children
Our purpose to make a positive difference for children dates back to 1932, when Ole Kirk Kristiansen began crafting toys in Billund, guided by the principle that, when it comes to children, “only the best is good enough”. Grounded in generations of family ownership, this commitment – and the values that unite KIRKBI and the LEGO® ecosystem - drives us forward.
Four generations of family ownership
In 2023, the Kirk Kristiansen family completed a gradual generational handover from third to fourth generation. As the most active owner of the fourth-generation, Thomas Kirk Kristiansen chairs KIRKBI, LEGO A/S, and the LEGO Foundation, with Agnete Kirk Kristiansen, also of the fourth generation, serving as Deputy Chair of KIRKBI and the LEGO Foundation.
Four generations of family ownership
In 2023, the Kirk Kristiansen family completed a gradual generational handover from third to fourth generation. As the most active owner of the fourth-generation, Thomas Kirk Kristiansen chairs KIRKBI, LEGO A/S, and the LEGO Foundation, with Agnete Kirk Kristiansen, also of the fourth generation, serving as Deputy Chair of KIRKBI and the LEGO Foundation.
Generational Handover
In May 2023, the gradual generational hand-over was completed as Thomas Kirk Kristiansen took over the role as Chair of the Board of Directors in KIRKBI A/S from Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen.
Driven by an ambitious vision
For generations, the Kirk Kristiansen family has been working for the cause of children fuelled by a fundamental belief that Learning-through-Play makes a meaningful difference. Today, the family ownership is driven by an ambitious vision, focusing on two key areas:
- Enabling children to learn through play
- Driving impact on global climate issues
As the ultimate holding company, KIRKBI’s role is to oversee progress on this vision through the three business areas owned by KIRKBI and with a financial investment portfolio ensuring a sound foundation for the future.
Driven by an ambitious vision
For generations, the Kirk Kristiansen family has been working for the cause of children fuelled by a fundamental belief that Learning-through-Play makes a meaningful difference. Today, the family ownership is driven by an ambitious vision, focusing on two key areas:
- Enabling children to learn through play
- Driving impact on global climate issues
As the ultimate holding company, KIRKBI’s role is to oversee progress on this vision through the three business areas owned by KIRKBI and with a financial investment portfolio ensuring a sound foundation for the future.
Associated foundations
Spanning generations, the Kirk Kristiansen family has built a constellation of foundations within KIRKBI’s broader ecosystem.
Ole Kirk's Fond
Founded in 1964 in memory of the LEGO® founder, Ole Kirk’s Fond is a Danish-focused, non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting children and their families, giving them better opportunities for positive development.
The foundation's grants are funded through profits generated by the LEGO Group and KIRKBI employees, with primary support from the LEGO Foundation and KIRKBI.
The LEGO Foundation
The LEGO Foundation works internationally to enable every child to thrive and grow.
This is achieved through ambitious partnerships, the funding of research, and the backing of education initiatives.
The Kirk Kristiansen family has entrusted the LEGO Foundation with 25% ownership of the LEGO Group.
The QATO Foundation
Founded in 2012, the QATO Foundation is a non-profit foundation that works to ensure and promote animal welfare by supporting projects that improve conditions for animals in human care.
K2 Fonden af 2023
K2 Fonden af 2023 is a non-profit foundation focused on advancing children’s development, while also supporting initiatives in nature conservation, climate action, cultural enrichment, and education.
Family Office
At KIRKBI, we have a Family Office that provides a foundation for sustainable family ownership across generations.
The team is dedicated to supporting the Kirk Kristiansen family members in their individual ownership roles, as well as their private activities, companies, and philanthropic work.
Through the LEGO® School for the 5th generation of the Kirk Kristiansen family, the team also plays a key role in preparing them for future ownership when the time is right.
Family Office
At KIRKBI, we have a Family Office that provides a foundation for sustainable family ownership across generations.
The team is dedicated to supporting the Kirk Kristiansen family members in their individual ownership roles, as well as their private activities, companies, and philanthropic work.
Through the LEGO® School for the 5th generation of the Kirk Kristiansen family, the team also plays a key role in preparing them for future ownership when the time is right.