Crusader Kings publishers Paradox announce CEO swap, say they’re “in a strong position at a time when much of the industry is facing major challenges”

Paradox Interactive will appoint deputy CEO Mattias Lilja as its chief executive on 4 January, replacing Fredrik Wester. The change puts a long-time company executive in charge as Paradox seeks to build on its strategy-game business and improve its wider record of projects.

Wester, who has led the company in two periods since 2009, will remain on the board and focus on long-term development. Lilja joined in 2009, became chief of staff in 2021 and deputy CEO in 2024; he says Paradox will invest in its core games, improve tools for players and modders, and step up its pace. The company’s recent projects have had mixed results, including *Cities: Skylines 2*, *Bloodlines 2* and the cancelled *Life By You*.