British boss takes over iconic toy brand
The Lego Group has announced that Bali Padda, current Chief Operations Officer, has been appointed CEO of the company. He will start his new role in the New Year.
Bali Padda, who was born in India in 1956, takes over from Jørgen Vig Knudstorp who will head up the new entity Lego Brand Group.
Bali Padda has been with the Lego Group for 14 years and is at present heading up Operations while at the same time being overall responsible for people and organisational development. During the past ten years, he has been a member of the LEGO Group’s top management.
Commenting on the appointment of Bali Padda as CEO, Niels Jacobsen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Lego Group, said: “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, fourth generation owner of the Lego Group, said: “Bali possesses the right 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 brand.”
Commenting on his new role as CEO, Bali Padda says: “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.”
