Thomas Kirk Kristiansen inherited fourth-generation ownership of the LEGO fortune but has become the family's most active owner, chairing KIRKBI and LEGO while holding the largest individual voting position in the family holding company. [1][3][4]
He inherited a mature global family business
Forbes identifies Thomas as a fourth-generation LEGO owner whose wealth comes from the family stake built by earlier generations, beginning with his great-grandfather Ole Kirk Kristiansen. [1]
KIRKBI says the family ownership of LEGO dates to 1932 and has passed through four generations, making Thomas's starting point a highly valuable inherited operating platform rather than a business he founded. [2]
Thomas joined KIRKBI's board in 2007 and later became the fourth generation's most active owner, completing the formal generational handover when he became KIRKBI chair in 2023. [3][4]
His role now centers on active ownership and governance
KIRKBI currently lists Thomas as chair of both KIRKBI and LEGO A/S and deputy chair of the LEGO Foundation. The 2023 handover also gave him the largest individual voting share in KIRKBI. [3][4]
That record supports substantial stewardship of inherited assets, but the reviewed evidence does not isolate enough incremental operating value created by Thomas personally to treat the fortune as materially rebuilt under his leadership. [1][3]
Sources for background
Sources reviewed Sep 26, 2026.
- Thomas Kirk Kristiansen · Forbes · Mar 10, 2026
- Family Ownership · KIRKBI
- Board and Management · KIRKBI
- The Kirk Kristiansen family completes generational handover · KIRKBI · May 1, 2023
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