First British CEO of the LEGO Group appointed

With the establishment of the LEGO Brand Group, Jørgen Vig Knudstorp has stepped down as CEO of the LEGO Group, with current COO Bali Padda appointed to the role. As Padda is British, it is the first time the role has been occupied by a non-Denmark native. Niels Jacobsen, current Chairman of the Board of Directors of the LEGO Group, said of the appointment:

'Bali Padda has a fantastic track record in the LEGO Group with more than 14 years of experience especially within supply chain functions, but more recently also focusing on people and organisational development. Bali has demonstrated an ability to drive the changes required in operations through the significant growth we have experienced during the past years. I am confident that Bali will continue to develop the company in close cooperation with management.'

Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, owner of the LEGO Group, said:

'Bali possesses the right LEGO mindset. He has a deep knowledge of our entire company, a very clear sense of what we need to do to take the company to the next level, and he is a true ambassador for the LEGO Idea and the LEGO brand.'

[caption id="attachment_13431" align="aligncenter" width="614"] Bali Padda[/caption] The appointment comes as the LEGO Group plans expansion in China, with the recent opening of the Jiaxing factory. The growth that the company has experiences in recent years has been unprecedented, with the new structure presumably intended to ensure it is well prepared for further expansion. Padda himself said:

'I am extremely honoured by this opportunity. It is a huge and exciting task, and I look forward to the challenge. I have a strong passion for our product and brand, and I look forward to continuing the strategic direction we have set for the company. With the great collaboration in our management as well as the support from Thomas and Jørgen, I am confident that we can continue the success of the LEGO Group and reach many more children in the future with high-quality play experiences.'