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Paradox Interactive chief executive Fredrik Wester is stepping down from the top job, with deputy CEO Mattias Lilja scheduled to take over the role on January 4, 2027. Wester will stay in place until that date to ensure an orderly transition and plans to shift his focus to the Swedish strategy publisher's long-term development as a board member. [1][2]
The change marks the end of Wester's second stint leading the company, having previously served as chief executive from 2009 to 2018 before returning in 2021. Lilja also rejoined Paradox that year as chief of staff after an earlier five-year stretch in executive positions, frequently handling day-to-day leadership duties alongside Wester. Lilja stated that his priorities will include investing further in core strategy franchises, refining internal operations, and creating improved tools for both modders and players. [1][2]
The handover follows a turbulent stretch for the publisher behind Stellaris and Crusader Kings 3. Wester's recent tenure included the commercial flop of Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2—which prompted a 162 percent decline in operating profit earlier this year—as well as the cancellation of Life By You and a difficult launch for Cities Skylines 2. Paradox is now looking ahead to its upcoming slate, which includes Lego Skylines and the grand strategy title Afterworld. [2]
Paradox Interactive's Frederik Wester has announced he's stepping down from the role of CEO after a combined decade and a half leading the company. The news follows several tumultuous years for the publisher best known for grand strategy games including Stellaris, Europa Universalis, and Crusader Kings 3.
via Eurogamer