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We continuously learn to be better recruiter by sitting down with our amazing client partners and digging into their careers, opinions on the market and personal aspirations.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kristian Bollerup, Director of Internal Audit & Risk Management at The Lego Group.
How did you get into Internal Audit?
“That’s a great question. I have a background in external audit, having worked at one of the Big 4. As most do. I enjoyed my time in external audit but I felt that I was mostly looking at past events, which, while valuable, didn’t provide the proactive engagement I desired.
When I had the opportunity to start an internal audit function at a large Danish industrial manufacturing company, I jumped at it. I found it really rewarding to add value by examining upcoming issues and connecting dots that others might miss.”
How would you describe internal audit to someone unfamiliar with the field?
“Think of internal audit as the safety belt of a company. We ensure the company stays on track, providing support and occasionally guiding people on the right path.
Personally, I see myself not as a bureaucrat or even a strict enforcer but more like a friendly neighbourhood cop. For instance, in Denmark, there’s a famous image of a policeman stopping traffic to let a family of ducks cross the road. That’s how I view my role—guiding and facilitating rather than policing.”
How do you adapt to different teams and cultures, especially in international audits?
“We invest significant time in understanding the organisation and the people we’ll be working with before engaging with them. This involves initial conversations to outline our plans or address their needs, followed by extensive background research.
By the time we start the actual audit, we are well-prepared to add value from day one. This approach often leads to repeat engagements, as people appreciate the insights we provide.”
The LEGO Group is a family-run business. How does that impact your work in internal audit?
“Being a family-owned business means The LEGO Group focuses on long-term goals rather than quarterly results, which is beneficial. We have strong company values and excellent support from our executive leadership and the board.
However, sometimes these values aren’t fully embedded across our global footprint, which can pose challenges. Overall, the long-term perspective and strong support make it a positive environment for internal audit.”
What qualities do you look for when hiring for your team?
“Stakeholder management is crucial. The ability to communicate well and build good relationships with stakeholders is fundamental.
While technical skills can be taught, the ability to manage and engage with stakeholders is key. At The LEGO Group, where networking is vital, this skill is indispensable.”
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be an auditor?
“Be a good person and a good colleague. Technical skills can be learned, but being someone others enjoy working with is invaluable.
When I started in external audit, I might have overestimated my importance. In internal audit, I’ve learned that everyone is important and that collaboration is key to success.”