Grand strategy game titan Paradox has a new boss, and he’s “stepping up the pace”

Paradox Interactive CEO Fredrik Wester is stepping down, with deputy CEO Mattias Lilja set to take over in January 2027. The leadership change marks a planned handover after Lilja took on more responsibility for operations and strategy, while Wester focused on longer-term goals.

Wester will remain the company’s largest shareholder and support Lilja as a board member. Lilja says he wants to invest further in Paradox’s core games, improve tools and services for players and modders, and increase the pace of work. The company’s titles have had mixed receptions recently, including weak reviews for some downloadable content, while Cities: Skylines 2 has shown gradual signs of recovery.