Lego Group has named Claus Kristensen as Senior Vice President in Asia Pacific to lead its regional division including new business units – India & Emerging Asia (IEA), and Singapore, Malaysia and Travel Retail (SMTR).
Kristensen’s appointment comes as the company continues to bolster its travel retail presence in the region.
He takes over the role of Eric Maugein, who is now moving to a new chapter in his career after serving the company for almost 20 years.
Kristensen reports to Chief Commercial Officer Colette Burke and joins the Markets & Channels leadership team.
He has been with Lego Group for 11 years, having previously held the role of Vice President of Marketing and B2B eCommerce in Asia Pacific. He moved to Sydney in 2016 to take on the responsibility as the Vice President and General Manager of Australia & New Zealand. Kristensen joined the company in 2012 as Head of Executive Strategy.
Kristensen said: “I am honoured to have been appointed to lead the Lego Group in Asia Pacific, continuing the legacy of success established by Eric. The Lego Group is such a storied company and has come a long way over the past 91 years – from a small carpenter’s workshop to a modern, global enterprise that is now one of the world’s largest manufacturers of toys.
“I am so proud to be part of this company and will be focused on working with the team to deliver a step-up in business performance as we empower more kids and adults around Asia Pacific to unlock the power of creative play.”
The launch of the two business units is part of Lego Group’s organisational revamp effective 1 January, “in line with the group’s ambitions in the region and to serve high growth markets, as well as APAC travel retail with a greater focus.”
Kristensen added: “This change deepens our commitment to these markets and sets us up to accelerate growth by unlocking new possibilities with dedicated resources, synergies in tackling similar challenges, and continuous innovation to enhance our ongoing relationships with our partners. The change also signifies our continued commitment to drive growth in Asia Pacific.”
To mark its regional expansion, Lego Group opened two Lego Airport Stores at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 in November.
The company has also invested more than US$1 billion to launch its sixth global factory and its first carbon-neutral facility in Binh Duong Province in Vietnam. Lego Group describes this new facility as the largest investment made by a Danish company in the country, and part of its strategy to expand the supply chain network to support long-term growth. ✈
