Niels B. Christiansen has replaced Bali Padda as CEO of the Lego Group.

Lego made the announcement yesterday, with Christiansen, 51, replacing Padda, 61, who will assume an advisory role with the company.

Padda took over as chief executive of the family-owned Lego Group from Jorgen Vig Knudstorp eight months ago. Knudstorp, executive chairman of Lego brand group, said the transition to a new CEO occured ‘more rapidly than the board had anticipated’.

Christiansen was most recently CEO of global industrial technology company, Danfoss, a position he held for nine years until end of June 2017. He has spent over 25 years in business leadership.  

“I have loved building with LEGO bricks since I was a child,: said Christiansen. “As I look at the challenges facing this generation of children, the group’s mission, to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow, is more important and urgent than ever. I am looking forward to working with the Board, the family and the LEGO Group team as we embark on the next phase of global growth.”

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