The LEGO Group appoints Colette Burke as Chief Commercial Officer
BILLUND, December 21, 2020: The LEGO Group today announced the appointment of Colette Burke as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer effective January 1, 2021.
Colette joins the LEGO Group from consumer electronics company, Bose Corporation, where she was Vice President Global Sales. During her 25-year career at Bose Corporation she has held a wide range of commercial, general management and marketing roles of increasing scope and responsibility at a global, regional and national level, including 19 years in the United States. She began her career as a management consultant in Germany.
Colette will be responsible for the Group’s global commercial strategy including e-commerce, retailer partnerships, omnichannel development, LEGO®-branded retail stores and continued expansion into new countries. Reporting to her will be the Group’s Market Group heads based in Americas, EMEA, Asia Pacific and China and LEGO Retail.
Niels B Christiansen, CEO the LEGO Group said: “We are excited to have Colette join the LEGO Group as Chief Commercial Officer. As the retail landscape continues to evolve rapidly, it’s critical that we have a coherent, omnichannel strategy to drive long-term growth and create the best possible brand experiences for shoppers online and in store. Colette brings decades of experience developing a much-loved consumer brand amongst new consumers, in new channels and new markets. She is a purpose-driven executive with a proven track record leading successful and diverse global teams.”
Colette said: “I am thrilled to be joining the LEGO Group. As a mother, I know just how powerful play is in developing children’s skills and I am especially passionate about inspiring strong, confident girls. This extends to work, where I am a committed advocate and mentor for the next generation of leaders. I have always admired the LEGO Group’s success, especially their skill at creating wonderful brand experiences. I can’t wait to work with the team behind these awesome moments.”
Colette studied International Marketing and Languages at Dublin City University, Ireland and Cologne University, Germany and completed post-graduate studies in Finance at Harvard.
From January 1, 2021, the LEGO Group Executive Leadership Team will comprise:
- Niels B Christiansen, Chief Executive Officer
- Jesper Andersen, Chief Financial Officer
- Atul Bhardwaj, Chief Digital & Technology Officer
- Colette Burke, Chief Commercial Officer
- Julia Goldin, Chief Marketing & Product Officer
- Carsten Rasmussen, Chief Operations Officer
- Loren Shuster, Chief People Officer and Head of Corporate Affairs