Paradox names Mattias Lilja CEO to succeed Fredrik Wester
Lilja, currently deputy CEO, takes over on January 4, 2027, after working on Victoria II, Stellaris and Hearts of Iron IV.
Paradox Interactive announced on November 11 that deputy CEO Mattias Lilja will succeed Fredrik Wester as chief executive, according to automaton-media.com. The board of directors decided the change, and Lilja takes over on January 4, 2027.
Lilja has been at the company since 2009 and has worked on Victoria II, Stellaris and Hearts of Iron IV. He said he will invest further in the core business and develop tools and services that benefit modders and players.
Wester, a co-founder of Paradox, first took the CEO role in 2009 after holding positions including EVP and marketing work on Hearts of Iron II. In 2018, Ebba Ljungerud replaced him as CEO.
Ljungerud resigned in September 2021, citing disagreement over company strategy, and Wester returned as CEO. Lilja had left Paradox once in 2020 and came back when Wester was reinstated, later serving as acting CEO, COO and head of strategic HR.
Paradox is currently developing the new grand strategy game Afterworld and is publishing Prison Architect 2 and LEGO Skylines.
Quick answers
Who is the new CEO of Paradox Interactive?
Mattias Lilja, previously deputy CEO, takes over as CEO on January 4, 2027.
When does Mattias Lilja become CEO?
January 4, 2027, following a board decision announced on November 11.
What has Mattias Lilja worked on at Paradox?
He has worked on Victoria II, Stellaris and Hearts of Iron IV.