Paradox Interactive has appointed Deputy CEO Mattias Lilja as its new CEO, replacing Fredrik Wester from January 4th 2027.
The Swedish publisher announced the change in a release on November 11th. According to the release, Wester told the Board of Directors he had decided to step down to focus on the company's long-term development as a board member. He will stay on as CEO until Lilja takes over, and remains Paradox's largest shareholder.
"My plan was never to be CEO for life," Wester said. "The goal was to build the foundation before passing the baton on for the next chapter in the company's journey." He added that since returning as CEO, the company had "streamlined our strategy, rebuilt our pipeline and developed our commercial offering," and credited Lilja with a central role in that work.
Paradox described the handover as "a natural evolution of how the company is already led." Since 2021, Lilja has taken on more responsibility for day-to-day operations and carrying out the company's strategy, while Wester has spent more time on long-term goals.
Who is Mattias Lilja?
Lilja joined Paradox in 2009 as its first producer. He has since headed its studio organisation, led its publishing arm and served as COO, and returned to the company in 2021 when Wester took back the CEO role. According to Paradox, the franchises launched under his leadership include Cities: Skylines, Hearts of Iron IV and Stellaris.
"Now we're stepping up the pace," Lilja said, promising further investment in the company's core business, closer work with players and "more and better tools and services that benefit both modders and players." Board Chairman Håkan Sjunnesson said the company was in "a strong position at a time when much of the industry is facing major challenges."
Paradox is best known for deep strategy and management games such as Europa Universalis, Crusader Kings and Stellaris.
