LEGO Foundation appoints new Non-Executive Director

Current Global CEO at Plan International Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the LEGO Foundation effective immediately.

Ms Albrectsen has spent almost 30 years in fields of international development, human rights and diplomacy, most recently holding the position of Global CEO at Plan International since September 2015.

Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, Chairman of the LEGO Foundation Board, said Ms Albrectsen’s deep understanding of the challenges we face as we seek to empower all children to become creative, engaged, lifelong learners would be a significant asset to the Board. 

In her position with Plan International, an NGO dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls, Ms Albrectsen has helped to transform the organisation by working together with children, young people, supporters and partners to deliver positive impact.

Prior to joining Plan International, she was United Nations Assistant Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director for Management at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). 

Ms Albrectsen currently also holds positions as co-chair of the Board of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, is a member of the United Nations Every Woman Every Child High Level Steering Group, the Generation Unlimited Global Board and the chair of the International Civil Society Centre Board. 

This depth of human rights, sustainable development and advocacy experience, Mr Kristiansen said, is “second to none” saying he was very pleased to welcome Ms Albrectsen to the Board. 

“The work of the LEGO Foundation is extremely important to my family and to the shared mission we have across the LEGO branded entities,” he said.  

“We are dedicated to promoting the development of all children through learning through play, so that they have the best possibilities to become creative problem solvers and fulfil their potential. It is our mission to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow and I am delighted to welcome Anne-Birgitte as she joins us in that mission as a member of the LEGO Foundation Board.”

Ms Albrectsen is Danish and holds a law degree from the University of Copenhagen. She currently lives in the United Kingdom close to the Plan International Global HQ in Surrey.

To learn more about the work of the Foundation, please see here.