Godtfred Kirk Christiansen

Godtfred Kirk Christiansen
2nd Leader of The Lego Group
In office
11 March 1958(1958-03-11) (aged 37) – June 13, 1995(1995-06-13) (aged 74)
Preceded by Ole Kirk Christiansen
Succeeded by Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen
Personal details
Born (1920-07-08)July 8, 1920
Died June 13, 1995(1995-06-13) (aged 74)
Nationality Danish
Spouse(s) Edith Kirk Christiansen
Relations Father:Ole Kirk Christiansen
Mother:Kirstine Sørensen
Brother: Johannes Christiansen
Brother:Karl Georg Kirk Christiansen
Brother:Gerhardt Kirk Christiansen
Sister: Ulla Skov
Children 1st:Gunhild Kirk Johansen
2nd:Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen
3rd:Hanne Christiansen
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.

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 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.

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 so shook Godtfred that he seriously considered selling the company. His son, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, became president and CEO of the Lego Group in 1979.

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. 1 2 "Timeline 1950 - 1959 - The LEGO history - The LEGO Group - About Us LEGO.com". www.lego.com. Retrieved 2015-11-14.


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