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24 Mar 2008
LEGO® Legend Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen Inducted to Toy Industry Hall of Fame
The third generation of the LEGO® family and principal shareholder, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen was inducted to the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place as part of the eighth annual T.O.T.Y. (Toy of the Year) Awards event Saturday February 16, 2008 in Manhattan at Chelsea Piers/Pier 60. Established in 1984, the Toy Industry Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and success of the toy industry.
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“LEGO revolutionized the way kids play and build with blocks,” said Alan Hassenfeld, Toy Industry Hall of Fame Committee Chairman. “We are honored to have Kjeld join many other industry icons in the Toy Hall of Fame.”
Kristiansen’s passion for the LEGO play experience and brand started at a young age. Grandson of the company founder, Ole Kirk Christiansen, he demonstrated a natural talent for creative building as a boy, often inspiring and testing new LEGO model concepts and their building instructions alongside the Master Builders and designers after school.
Kristiansen’s pioneering ways have transformed the LEGO brand over the years and changed the way children build and play. He introduced the idea of creating a system within the LEGO System his father established, grouping models into themes to sharpen the identity of the brand. He led the introduction of the first LEGO figures to add role play to LEGO building in 1974, giving way to “birth” of the contemporary and iconic LEGO minifigure in 1978. He supported creation of LEGO TECHNIC®, advanced models for skilled builders in 1977, and pioneered the first LEGO play theme, LEGO Space, in 1979.
In 1988, he endorsed partnership with the MIT Media Lab to explore the convergence of LEGO brick play with technology, resulting in 10 years of development that created the LEGO MINDSTORMS® consumer robotics platform. He launched the brand into the virtual world in 1996 with the introduction of LEGO.com, and opened the door to licensing with the company’s first constructible entertainment property – Star Wars™ – in 1999.
“We are part of something bigger than ‘just’ a company. We’re doing something good for children and adults – for families,” said Kristiansen. “Our idea is universal and timeless. The world is becoming more and more digital, but there will still be a need for physical products, especially those that appeal to innovation, creativity and community. Today, there’s more life in the LEGO brick than ever – and people are asking for our play materials in ever-growing numbers because they can see the value of children learning through play, and continue to realize that LEGO play provides opportunities to develop at all ages and stages in life.”
Perhaps Kristiansen’s favorite thing is to spend time with children and LEGO fans around the world, through annual events and FIRST LEGO League tournaments.
“The experience of seeing fantastic creations made by enthusiastic children, and feeling the importance our product has had for so many people…these are the big moments in my LEGO life and what makes the company something very special to me. It’s all about inspiring child-like curiosity in everyone,” he said.
In 1979, Kristiansen was appointed president and CEO of the LEGO Group. In 2004, he stepped down as CEO to focus on his role as owner of the LEGO Group and Vice-Chairman of the Board, while maintaining his role as Chairman of the Board of KIRKBI A/S, LEGO Holding A/S and the LEGO Foundation. Additionally, he is an active member of the company’s Brand & Innovation Board, setting the overall strategic direction of the LEGO brand and the development of new business ideas, so he remains very close to the development of the company’s business and products.
Kristiansen’s contributions to the creative development of children around the world have been recognized many times over. In 1994, he was appointed a Knight of Denmark's Dannebrog Order. In 1996, he received The Freedom Prize from the Max Schmidheiny Foundation, Switzerland, the "Distinguished Family Business Award" from the International Institute for Management and Development (IMD), Switzerland, and the Moran (Peony) insignia of the Order of Civil Merit by the Korean Government. In 2005, he received the FIRST Founder’s Award from Dean Kamen for his work in inspiring children’s interest in science and technology through creative LEGO play via the FIRST LEGO League program.
Born in 1947 in Billund, Denmark – home town of the LEGO brick, Kristiansen and his wife live in Denmark and have three children.
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About the T.O.T.Y. Awards
The T.O.T.Y. Awards were conceived to honor the best toys developed by the international toy industry for consumers in North America. The Awards include eleven industry award categories, and one industry recognition category designed to recognize the best toys and children's entertainment, as well as outstanding individuals, companies and team achievements. The T.O.T.Y. Awards ceremony also includes a fundraising campaign to benefit the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF), the philanthropic and educational organization representing the North American toy industry. The Foundation's mission is to make a difference in the lives of children in need, bringing them joy, happiness and comfort through the experience of toys and play.
About TIA
TIA is the trade association for North American producers and importers of toys, games and entertainment products for the youth market. TIA owns and manages Toy Fair, ToyCon, TIA’s Annual Meeting and Conference; and the Fall Toy Preview.
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