Godtfred Kirk Christiansen

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.

Godtfred Kirk Christiansen
2nd Leader of The Lego Group
In office
11 March 1958(1958-03-11) (aged 37) – July 13, 1995(1995-07-13) (aged 75)
Preceded byOle Kirk Christiansen
Succeeded byKjeld Kirk Kristiansen
Personal details
Born(1920-07-08)July 8, 1920
Billund, Denmark
DiedJuly 13, 1995(1995-07-13) (aged 75)
Billund, Denmark
NationalityDanish
Spouse(s)
Edith Kirk Christiansen (m. 1944⁠–⁠1995)
RelationsJohannes Christiansen (brother)
Karl Georg Kirk Christiansen (brother)
Gerhardt Kirk Christiansen (brother)
Ulla Skov (sister)
ChildrenGunhild Kirk Johansen
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen
Hanne Christiansen
ParentsOle Kirk Christiansen
Kirstine Sørensen
OccupationBusinessperson
Known forManaging Director of the Lego Group.

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.

He was married to Edith Kirk Christiansen, with whom he had 4 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.

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. His son, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, became president and CEO of the Lego Group in 1979.[4]

Death

Christiansen died on June 13, 1995 at the age of 75, his son Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen took over the company after his death.[5]

References
  1. "Godtfred Kirk Christiansen". www.gravsted.dk. Retrieved 2015-11-14.
  2. 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.
  3. "Timeline 1950 - 1959 - The LEGO history - The LEGO Group - About Us LEGO.com". www.lego.com. Retrieved 2015-11-14.
  4. "Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen: Executive Profile & Biography - Bloomberg". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2017-01-20.
  5. https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1995-07-16-1995197093-story.html


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