LEGO Ventures, the venture arm of the LEGO® Brand Group, appoints Cecilia Qvist – former Global Head of Markets at Spotify – as new Head.

Cecilia Qvist has been appointed as the new Head of LEGO Ventures, with an aim to broaden the impact of Learning-through-Play, LEGO Ventures is strengthening its focus on two strategic investment spaces: ‘Digital Play’ and ‘SuperCharging Education’.

Cecilia is an experienced leader from technology-driven environments that are undergoing transformational change, with a solid track record of building sustainable businesses that are growing at scale, across multiple territories. Combined with a strong financial background, Cecilia is a serious addition to LEGO Ventures’ global ambition as the go-to investor across gaming and education technology.

At Spotify, Cecilia oversaw the global growth strategy in existing and new territories with a focus on international expansion, product localization and user growth. She was instrumental in scaling the company to a multinational business and today Spotify has more than 345 million users across 170 markets. Additionally, she holds Board seats at Kinnevik – an avid technology venture investor, Trustly – a leader in digital account-to-account payments and CINT – a global software leader in digital insights gathering.

Previously Cecilia spent time with Ericsson, Swedbank and NASDAQ OMX.

Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, Executive Chairman, LEGO brand Group, comments:

“We’re thrilled to announce Cecilia joining us taking up the role as Head of LEGO Ventures as there’s no doubt that she can take the LEGO Brand’s venture efforts to the next level together with its dedicated team. The updated LEGO Ventures strategy emphasises the LEGO Brand’s ambitions and belief in the power of Learning-through-Play  and we strongly believe in LEGO Ventures’ role in exploring the future of play on behalf of the LEGO Brand. Cecilia is here to help us achieve just that.”

Cecilia has hands-on experience in developing strong global brands for both parents and children. Her experiences in M&A and her time spent in both China and India will be invaluable.

Cecilia Qvist, Head of LEGO Ventures, comments:

“To explore the connections between learning, creativity, and ‘digital play’ by working with innovations that will shape the future of playful learning is massively exciting. Industries like gaming, adaptive education and virtual reality will have an immense impact on our daily lives in the years to come. I look forward to leading LEGO Ventures and working with the portfolio to realize the vision.”

In addition to a new leader, LEGO Ventures is also pleased to announce the appointment of Jacob Fonnesbech Aqraou to its advisory board. Currently, he is investor in and Chairman of Boats Group, Chronext and Wallapop – all leading online marketplaces. Previously Jacob spent 9 years with eBay, i.e. as Finance Director, eBay Europe.

For further information, please contact:

Daniel Vámosi
Tel. +45 28 92 41 83 daniel.vamosi@kirkbi.com