Karina Schmitt Lund Appointed as CEO of KIRKBI’s New Financial Investments Division

Karina Schmitt Lund Appointed as CEO of KIRKBI’s New Financial Investments Division

(IN BRIEF) KIRKBI A/S has appointed Karina Schmitt Lund as the future CEO of its Financial Investments division, set to become an independent business area by 2026. Karina brings over 20 years of experience in the financial sector, having held senior roles at companies like BlackRock, Morgan Stanley, and Bank of America. Her leadership will be pivotal in managing KIRKBI’s substantial investment portfolio, valued at DKK 79 billion. Karina is set to join KIRKBI on June 1, 2025, as the company restructures into three core business areas.

(PRESS RELEASE) BILLUND, 9-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — KIRKBI A/S, the parent company of the LEGO Group and various other entities owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family, has announced the appointment of Karina Schmitt Lund as the future Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its new Financial Investments division, which will officially become an independent business segment starting on January 1, 2026.

Karina Schmitt Lund, who boasts over two decades of leadership experience in the financial industry, has held prominent positions at major firms, including Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and most recently, BlackRock. Throughout her career, she has proven her exceptional expertise in international financial markets, strategic decision-making, and leadership in creating high-performance teams.

Søren Thorup Sørensen, the CEO of KIRKBI A/S, expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointment, stating:

“We are excited to have Karina Schmitt Lund join the KIRKBI team. Her extensive international experience and expertise in investment management will be invaluable as we continue to expand and strengthen KIRKBI’s financial investment portfolio. Karina’s leadership qualities and forward-thinking approach to asset management will ensure the stability and growth of the family’s long-term financial interests, securing the foundation for future generations.”

As the upcoming CEO of the Financial Investments division, Karina Schmitt Lund will oversee the management of KIRKBI’s financial investment portfolio, valued at DKK 79 billion by the end of 2024. This portfolio encompasses private equity, public equities, real estate, and fixed-income investments.

Karina Schmitt Lund shared her excitement about the role, saying:

“I am deeply honored to join KIRKBI and contribute to a company with such a strong sense of purpose and vision for the future. I look forward to collaborating with the talented KIRKBI team to build a responsible and robust financial portfolio that aligns with the company’s values and long-term goals.”

Karina Schmitt Lund, who is 48 years old, resides in Denmark with her husband and four children. She will officially join KIRKBI on June 1, 2025.

In anticipation of the new group structure, KIRKBI has already begun consolidating its activities into three distinct business areas: LEGO Holding, KIRKBI Climate, and KIRKBI Education. Financial Investments will be established as an independent business segment, with its own CEO and board of directors, starting in January 2026.

CV – Karina Schmitt Lund

Business Experience 

• 2022-2025: BlackRock – Managing Director / Head of Wealth Management in Northern Europe
• 2021-2022: Jeffries – Managing Director / Co-head Nordic & Benelux Fixed Income, Country head
• 2014-2021: Athena – Executive Advisor & Founder
• 2014-2019: WS group – CEO & Founder
• 2009-2014: Bank of America Merrill Lynch – Managing Director / EMEA, Global Fixed Income
• 2005-2009: Morgan Stanley – Executive Director, Nordic team / EMEA, Global Fixed Income
• 2004-2005: Mitsubishi UFJ Trust International – Associate / EMEA and ASIA Global Fixed Income
• 2003-2004: Credit Suisse First Boston – Associate /OTC Credit Derivatives Product Control Associate

Board of Director roles

• 2000-present: Aarhus Symposium, University of Aarhus

Education

• 1999-2002: MSc in Economics, Cand.Oecon, University of Aarhus
• 2000-2001: MA in International Political Economy, University of Warwick
• 1996-1999: BSc in Economics, University of Aarhus

About KIRKBI A/S

KIRKBI A/S is the holding company of the LEGO Group and other companies owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family. With a purpose of building a better future for children, KIRKBI is committed to reinvesting future proceeds from the LEGO Group and other holdings into building businesses within three business areas: LEGO Holding, KIRKBI Education, and KIRKBI Climate. Rooted in the values and principles that have guided the LEGO® brand for generations, KIRKBI actively engages in its businesses with the long-term perspective needed to make a lasting difference.

Media Contact:

Carsten Birkeland Kjær
Communication Lead – Financial Investments & Climate, KIRKBI A/S
+45 4260 7765
carsten.birkeland.kjaer@kirkbi.com

SOURCE: KIRKBI A/S