Top 9 Richest Men In Denmark According To Forbes (2025)

When we talk about wealth in Europe, the usual suspects — Germany, France, the UK — always steal the headlines. But if you think Denmark is just about Vikings, pastries, and happy citizens ranked high on global happiness indexes, you’re in for a surprise. This Scandinavian nation is home to some seriously wealthy individuals who have built empires in industries ranging from toys to medical devices, fashion retail, and high-tech manufacturing.

According to the latest Forbes Billionaires List 2025, Denmark boasts several billionaires who are not only shaping their local economy but also making waves internationally. Today, we’ll unpack the top 9 richest men in Denmark (with some powerful family fortunes in the mix) — their industries, net worth, and the stories behind their incredible success.

Let’s get into it.

1. Anders Holch Povlsen – $12.8 Billion

• Age: 52

• Industry: Fashion & Retail (Bestseller)

If you’re into fashion — or just shop at international brands like Vero Moda, Jack & Jones, or ONLY — you’ve probably contributed a little something to Anders Holch Povlsen’s fortune. As the CEO and owner of Bestseller, Povlsen has built one of Europe’s largest fashion retail empires, operating in more than 70 countries.

But here’s where it gets even more interesting: Povlsen is also the largest private landowner in Scotland, where he owns sprawling estates dedicated to rewilding and conservation. His strategic thinking extends beyond fashion; he’s invested in ASOS, Zalando, and other e-commerce platforms, cementing his position as a fashion mogul who understands both brick-and-mortar and digital retail.

2. Sofie Kirk Kristiansen – $7.2 Billion

• Age: 49

• Industry: Manufacturing (LEGO Group)

The Kirk Kristiansen family is to Denmark what the Walton family is to the US — owners of a brand so iconic that it’s part of childhood memories across the globe. Sofie Kirk Kristiansen is one of the heirs to the LEGO fortune. As a fourth-generation owner, she holds a 25% stake in the LEGO Group and is actively involved in its philanthropic activities through the LEGO Foundation.

LEGO isn’t just a toy; it’s an empire that has expanded into video games, movies, and theme parks. And in the post-pandemic world, where family entertainment is booming, LEGO’s global sales continue to soar.

3. Thomas Kirk Kristiansen – $7.2 Billion

• Age: 46

• Industry: Manufacturing (LEGO Group)

Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, Sofie’s cousin, is another 25% stakeholder in LEGO. He currently serves as the chairman of the LEGO Group, guiding its strategic direction and ensuring that the brand remains relevant in a fast-changing entertainment landscape.

Under his leadership, LEGO has embraced sustainability by pledging to make all products from sustainable materials by 2030. The company is also leveraging augmented reality and other tech innovations to merge the physical and digital play experience.

4. Agnete Kirk Thinggaard – $7.2 Billion

• Age: 41

• Industry: Manufacturing (LEGO Group)

Agnete Kirk Thinggaard, another fourth-generation LEGO heir, combines her family’s business legacy with her passion for equestrian sports. While she is less involved in the day-to-day corporate operations compared to Thomas, her share in the LEGO empire keeps her comfortably among Denmark’s wealthiest.

The Kirk family’s united ownership approach has ensured that LEGO remains privately held, giving them more flexibility to innovate and preserve brand values without the pressures of the stock market.

5. Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen – $6.4 Billion

• Age: 77

• Industry: Manufacturing (LEGO Group)

Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen is the former CEO and grandson of LEGO’s founder, Ole Kirk Christiansen. He ran the company from 1979 to 2004, transforming it into a global powerhouse. His tenure saw the introduction of licensed LEGO sets featuring characters from Star Wars, Harry Potter, and other major franchises — moves that significantly boosted sales.

Today, Kjeld remains an influential figure in the company through his stake and as part of the family’s decision-making body.

6. Niels Peter Louis-Hansen – $6 Billion

• Age: 77

• Industry: Healthcare (Coloplast)

Moving away from LEGO for a moment — Niels Peter Louis-Hansen is the largest shareholder in Coloplast, a leading medical device company that specializes in products for ostomy, urology, continence, and wound care. The company operates in over 140 countries and has a reputation for quality and innovation in healthcare solutions.

Niels inherited much of his wealth from his mother, Aage Louis-Hansen, who co-founded Coloplast in 1957. His fortune reflects Denmark’s strong tradition in life sciences and medical technology.

7. Bent Jensen & Family – $2.6 Billion

• Age: 73

• Industry: Manufacturing (LINAK)

Bent Jensen is the founder and owner of LINAK, a company that produces electric linear actuator systems used in everything from hospital beds to industrial equipment. Starting from a small workshop, Jensen turned LINAK into a global leader in its niche, exporting products worldwide.

What’s remarkable about Bent Jensen’s story is how he built a high-tech manufacturing company in a small Danish town, proving that innovation and global success aren’t limited to the big cities.

8. Martin Moller Nielsen – $1.3 Billion

• Age: 60

• Industry: Logistics (Aircraft Leasing)

Martin Moller Nielsen made his fortune through Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), one of the world’s largest regional aircraft leasing companies. While aircraft leasing may sound niche, it’s a crucial part of the aviation industry, allowing airlines to expand fleets without massive upfront purchases.

Although he has sold most of his stake in NAC, Nielsen’s earlier entrepreneurial moves and investments have secured his billionaire status.

9. Benedicte Find – $1 Billion

• Age: 70

• Industry: Healthcare (Medical Devices)

Benedicte Find is the widow of Jorgen Find, a co-founder of Ambu, a medical device company known for its single-use endoscopes and resuscitators. Ambu has become a leader in the growing market for disposable medical devices, a trend accelerated by infection control needs in hospitals.

Her fortune comes from her ownership stake in Ambu, and she remains an influential shareholder.

The Big Picture – What Denmark’s Billionaires Tell Us

Looking at this list, a few patterns stand out:

1. Family Fortunes Dominate: The LEGO empire alone accounts for half of Denmark’s top billionaires. Generational wealth, when managed wisely, can sustain and grow over decades.

2. Global Brands with Local Roots: Whether it’s LEGO, Bestseller, Coloplast, or LINAK, these companies are deeply Danish in culture but global in reach.

3. Diverse Industries: From fashion and toys to healthcare and aviation, Denmark’s billionaires aren’t confined to one sector, showcasing the country’s economic diversity.

In many ways, Denmark’s wealth story is about balancing tradition with innovation — preserving family values while embracing global trends.

If you ask me, there’s a lesson here for entrepreneurs everywhere: whether you’re making children’s toys, fashion apparel, or advanced medical devices, the key is excellence, patience, and strategic thinking. And of course, a little bit of that Scandinavian discipline doesn’t hurt either.