Kjeld Johannesen Receives Tietgen Medal

On November 5, 2014, in Randers, Kjeld Johannesen, the CEO of Danish Crown, was honored with the prestigious Tietgen medal, joining a select group of Danish business leaders who have been recognized for their exceptional initiative and entrepreneurship. The Tietgen medal was bestowed upon Johannesen by Morten Østergaard, the Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior from the Social Liberal Party. During the award ceremony, Østergaard emphasized Johannesen's significant contributions to Danish Crown, transforming it from a local slaughterhouse to a globally recognized and robust company with a workforce of 23,500 employees worldwide. Michael Kjær, a member of the Tietgen Foundation board and the chairman of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Johannesen's vision and his ability to explore alternative solutions in a production-intensive industry that has faced challenges in recent years. Johannesen's efforts have not only benefited Danish Crown but have also significantly contributed to Denmark's growth and employment. The Tietgen Foundation, whose board comprises the chairpersons of the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Danish Shipowners’ Association, Confederation of Danish Industry, and Danish Chamber of Commerce, awards the Tietgen medal. Since its inception in 1932, the medal has been awarded 21 times. Upon receiving the award, Johannesen expressed his pride and humility in joining such an esteemed group. He also emphasized that the honor is shared with the visionary farmers who own Danish Crown and have shown consistent courage over 127 years to focus and invest in what is now one of the leading companies in its sector. Previous recipients of the Tietgen medal include notable figures such as Jørgen Vig Knudstorp and Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen from LEGO, Lars Rebien and Mads Øvlisen from Novo Nordisk, and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller, a shipowner from A.P. Møller-Mærsk.