Business · Companies · 6 hrs ago
Paradox CEO Frederik Wester to step down in January 2027
Paradox Interactive CEO Frederik Wester is stepping down after leading the games company for periods spanning about 15 years.
Deputy CEO Mattias Lilja will take over on January 4, 2027, while Wester remains in charge until the handover.
Wester will stay on the board and focus on the company’s long-term development.
He first became CEO in 2009, left the role in 2018, and returned in 2021.
The change follows several difficult years for Paradox, including the poor performance of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, which contributed to a reported 162% decline in operating profit earlier this year.
Lilja says the company plans to invest in its core games and improve tools and services for players and modders.
Wester will remain CEO until the transition, and Lilja is set to lead the company from January 2027.
Paradox Interactive CEO Frederik Wester will step down on January 4, 2027, and deputy CEO Mattias Lilja will take over.
Wester will lead the company until then and remain on its board to focus on its long-term development.
He first became CEO in 2009, stepped down in 2018 and returned to the role in 2021.
Lilja joined Paradox in 2009 and has held senior roles, including COO.
The leadership change follows a difficult period for Paradox, including the poor commercial performance of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2.
- Who
- Paradox Interactive CEO Frederik Wester and incoming CEO Mattias Lilja.
- What
- Wester is stepping down, and deputy CEO Lilja will take over.
- When
- January 4, 2027.
- Where
- Paradox Interactive. The company’s location is not stated.
- Why
- Wester said it was the right time to hand over after helping build a foundation for the company’s next chapter.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Wester first became Paradox Interactive CEO.
Wester stepped down as CEO and became executive chairman of the board.
Wester returned to the CEO role.
Paradox announced that Wester would step down and Lilja would succeed him.
Lilja is due to take over as CEO.
- Incoming CEO
- Mattias Lilja
- Handover date
- January 4, 2027
- Wester’s first CEO term
- 2009–2018
- Wester’s return as CEO
- 2021
- Operating profit decline
- 162% earlier in 2026
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What people are saying
My plan was never to be CEO for life.
When I returned in 2021 the company needed a reset,
I approach this role with great humility.