The appointment of Craig Arnold marks another important step as KIRKBI Climate moves beyond traditional investing and takes a more active role in building and scaling companies that can help solve global climate challenges. Circular Plastics is expected to be a major area of investment as KIRKBI Climate implements this strategy.
Craig Arnold brings more than 30 years of international leadership experience in the plastics and chemicals industries, as well as in oil and gas and mining and metals. He joins KIRKBI Climate from Borealis (now part of Borouge International), one of Europe's leading plastics producers, where he served as Executive Vice President for Polyolefins, Base Chemicals (HC&E) and Circular Economy Solutions. In this role, he was responsible for the company’s global plastics and chemicals businesses and led its efforts to advance circularity through recycling, renewable materials, and new technologies. Previously, he held executive leadership positions at Ferroglobe and spent more than 20 years with Dow, one of the world's largest chemical companies.
Throughout his career, Craig Arnold has led and transformed global businesses across international markets, with extensive experience in Europe. He has also worked directly on the global plastic waste challenge, including as advisor to the CEO of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste.
Anupam Bhargava, CEO of KIRKBI Climate, said:
"Craig brings a combination of deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience building and transforming businesses. He understands the plastics value chain, the technology and the commercial realities of the industry. This is exactly the kind of experience we need as we plan to increase our investments in Circular Plastics, develop partnerships, and take a much more active role in building and scaling businesses. I am very pleased to welcome Craig to KIRKBI Climate."
Craig Arnold said:
"I have spent my career in the plastics and chemicals industry, and I have seen both its value and the scale of the waste challenge. KIRKBI Climate combines long-term, patient capital with a systems approach to investing, which I believe is key to scaling circular solutions. I look forward to contributing to this important mission."
KIRKBI Climate currently manages a portfolio of more than DKK 10 billion and plans to invest an additional DKK 10 billion over five years across Circular Plastics, Energy Transition, and Land Sustainability. Its Circular Plastics strategy focuses on investing across the value chain to scale recycling and reuse solutions.
Craig Arnold will join KIRKBI Climate on 1 January 2027.
About KIRKBI Climate A/S
KIRKBI Climate is owned by KIRKBI A/S, the holding company of the LEGO Group and other companies owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family. With a purpose of building a better future for children, KIRKBI Climate addresses global climate change by building high-impact businesses focused on the energy transition, circular plastics, and land sustainability. KIRKBI Climate builds businesses based on proven and mature technologies, while also exploring and investing in emerging and promising solutions that require long-term capital to scale and make a meaningful impact on climate challenges.
Contact
Carsten Birkeland Kjær
Communications Director, KIRKBI Climate
