Godtfred Kirk Christiansen
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen | |
---|---|
2nd Leader of The Lego Group | |
In office 11 March 1958 (aged 37) – July 13, 1995 (aged 75) | |
Preceded by | Ole Kirk Christiansen |
Succeeded by | Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen |
Personal details | |
Born | Billund, Denmark | July 8, 1920
Died | July 13, 1995 Billund, Denmark | (aged 75)
Spouse |
Edith Kirk Christiansen
(m. 1944–1995) |
Relations | Johannes Christiansen (brother) Karl Georg Kirk Christiansen (brother) Gerhardt Kirk Christiansen (brother) Ulla Skov (sister) |
Children | Gunhild Kirk Johansen Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen Hanne Christiansen |
Parent(s) | Ole Kirk Christiansen Kirstine Sørensen |
Occupation | Businessperson |
Known for | Managing Director of the Lego Group. |
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen (July 8, 1920 – July 13, 1995)[1] was the managing director of The Lego Group from 1957 to 1979.[2] He was the third son of company founder Ole Kirk Christiansen.
Biography
In 1950, he became Junior Vice President of the company on his 30th birthday.[3] He was appointed Managing Director in 1957, and became the head of the company after his father died in the following year.[3] By 1960, Godtfred had bought out his three brothers to become sole proprietor of the company.[citation needed]
He was married to Edith Kirk Christiansen, with whom he had 3 children, Gunhild Kirk Johansen, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen and Hanne Christiansen. Box Art designs from the 1950s show all three of their children playing with Lego bricks.[4]
In October 1969 Hanne and Kjeld were driving home from a movie in the neighboring town of Give. Their car skidded off the road and hit a tree. Hanne was killed and Kjeld was seriously injured. The tragedy shook Godtfred so much that he seriously considered selling the company.[citation needed] His son, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, became president and CEO of the Lego Group in 1979.[5]
Death
Christiansen died on July 13, 1995 at the age of 75, his son Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen took over the company after his death.
References
- ^ "Godtfred Kirk Christiansen". www.gravsted.dk. Retrieved 2015-11-14.
- ^ Pace, Eric (1995-07-14). "Godtfred K. Christiansen, 75; Covered the World With Lego". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2015-11-14.
- ^ a b "Timeline 1950 - 1959 - The LEGO history - The LEGO Group - About Us LEGO.com". www.lego.com. Retrieved 2015-11-14.
- ^ "Lego celebrates its 60th anniversary - CBBC Newsround". Retrieved 2020-07-27.
- ^ "Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen: Executive Profile & Biography - Bloomberg". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2017-01-20.