Industry News
Michael Halbye, vice chairman of LEGO’s parent company Kirkbi and a longtime confidant of Denmark’s royal family, died Saturday after a skiing accident in Switzerland. He was 64.
Halbye was skiing in the Verbier region of the Swiss Alps when he lost control and fell off-piste on April 12. Emergency responders airlifted him to a hospital, but he succumbed to internal bleeding shortly after arrival, according to statements from Kirkbi and Swiss authorities.
“It is with sorrow that we must announce that Michael Halbye passed away on Saturday, April 12, in a skiing accident. Michael Halbye fell on the piste, was quickly flown to the hospital, but passed away shortly thereafter as a result of internal bleeding. The family is in deep mourning and requests privacy to process their loss.
Michael Halbye has been a highly valued member of KIRKBI’s board of directors since 2020, and he was elected vice chairman in 2022. In this role, Michael Halbye worked closely with chairman Thomas Kirk Kristiansen and the rest of the board, and was a close, trusted partner for the owner family and the company’s management.”
– Kirkbi statement
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A respected business leader, Halbye joined Kirkbi’s board in 2020 and was appointed vice chairman in 2022. He was also a Senior Partner Emeritus at McKinsey & Company, where he led operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and contributed to several philanthropic and environmental organizations.
Halbye’s influence extended beyond the boardroom. For more than 17 years, he served on the Mary Foundation board, the charity Queen Mary of Denmark founded to address social isolation, bullying, and mental health. His relationship with the Danish royal family began when he was asked to mentor then-Prince Frederik in business matters. This partnership blossomed into a close friendship with the King and Queen.
Queen Mary paid tribute to Halbye, describing him as “a person of rare positive energy, vast knowledge, and a strong commitment to making a difference for those outside the community. He was also my friend and will be missed by many. My thoughts are with his family and close friends.”
Kirkbi chairman Thomas Kirk Kristiansen also expressed his condolences, noting Halbye’s “great and positive impression on those around him” and calling his loss “unexpected and deeply felt by the company and the owner family.”
“It is with great sadness that we received the news of Michael’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and care go to Michael’s family and loved ones, who are now faced with having to process the unexpected loss of a man who, in all facets of life, has left a great and positive impression on those around him. We will miss Michael as vice chairman but first and foremost as a person. May his memory be honored.”
The accident occurred in the challenging Col de Chassoure area of Verbier, known for its steep terrain. Halbye’s death came just a day after another fatal skiing accident in Switzerland.
Halbye is survived by his family, who have requested privacy as they mourn his loss. The Danish royal family is expected to continue with previously scheduled public engagements, including Princess Isabella’s birthday celebration, while privately grieving the loss of their friend and advisor.
