TL;DR
Michael Halbye, vice chairman of LEGO's parent company Kirkbi, passed away after a skiing accident in Verbier, Switzerland. The 64-year-old business leader and royal family confidant suffered fatal internal injuries after falling off-piste.
LEGO Executive Dies in Swiss Skiing Accident
Michael Halbye, the 64-year-old vice chairman of Kirkbi, LEGO's parent company, died on April 12 following a skiing accident in Verbier, Switzerland. Halbye lost control while skiing off-piste in the Col de Chassoure area, known for its difficult terrain. Despite being quickly airlifted to hospital, he succumbed to internal bleeding shortly after arrival.
Halbye's career was marked by significant achievements in both business and philanthropy. He joined Kirkbi's board in 2020 and became vice chairman in 2022. Previously, he was a Senior Partner Emeritus at McKinsey & Company, where he led operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Halbye also served on the board of the Mary Foundation, a charity established by Queen Mary of Denmark, for over 17 years.
His connection to the Danish royal family began when he was asked to mentor then-Prince Frederik on business matters, evolving into a close friendship with the now King and Queen. Queen Mary expressed her sorrow, describing Halbye as a person of "rare positive energy" and "vast knowledge" who was committed to making a difference.
