Charlotte Sahl-Madsen

Charlotte Sahl-Madsen or Sahl-Madsen (born 26 August 1964) is a Danish politician and businesswoman. She was the Danish Minister of Science, Technology and Development from 23 February 2010 to 3 October 2011. She had previously led Ebeltoft Glass Museum, Lego R&D and the Universe theme park.

Business career Sahl-Madsen was CEO of Danfoss Universe and a director of Lego. She joined the Economic and Business Affairs experts and director of the Danish Ministry's innovation unit. She describes how the CEO of Lego, Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, came to visit the Ebeltoft Glass Museum and she thought he had come to discuss a potential grant. Instead, however, she was offered the chance to lead their R&D department. She says that if people place trust in you then you need to return the compliment by justifying their trust. She was offered the job of leading what was then called Danfoss Universe.

Politics She was a surprise choice as the Conservative Minister of Science, Technology and Development as she was not a member of the Danish Conservative People's Party. as part of Lars Løkke Rasmussen's first Cabinet. Whilst she was in office she was criticised by universities because she capped their funding at a time when they were seeing an increase in student numbers.