Paradox Interactive CEO Fredrik Wester to step down

He will remain on company's board of directors

However, Wester will run the company until then, as he will not step down until January 4.

As he plans to focus on long-term strategy, he is moving to the board, while remaining the largest shareholder of the company.

This is the second time that he has handed over the title of CEO.

Paradox Interactive's new boss Mattias Lilja

In a statement reported by GamesIndustry.biz, Wester framed the move as long planned rather than forced, adding that "my plan was never to be CEO for life".

"The goal was to build the foundation before passing the baton on for the next chapter in the company's journey", he added.

Further, Wester stated that the business had changed shape since his return in 2021:

"We've streamlined our strategy, rebuilt our pipeline and developed our commercial offering." Lilja called the job "the best job in the world." He admitted the role leaves "big shoes to fill."

Mattias Lilja's path to the top

On the other hand, upcoming CEO Lilja joined Paradox in 2009, as the studio's first producer.

Later he ran both its studio and publishing arms, then became chief operating officer, before his promotion to deputy CEO alongside Wester.

Paradox's strategy titles, including Cities: Skylines and Crusader Kings, have a loyal UK player base.

According to Lilja, the studio would keep investing in "deep and engaging strategy and management games" under his watch.

Who is Paradox Interactive's new CEO?

It is on 4 January 2027 when Mattias Lilja, the company's deputy CEO and former chief operating officer, officially becomes chief executive.

Why is Fredrik Wester stepping down?

According to Wester, the handover was planned rather than a response to any crisis.

Meanwhile, with Lilja taking day-to-day charge, he moves to the board as Paradox's largest shareholder, .