Paradox Names Mattias Lilja as Its Next CEO, With Fredrik Wester Staying on Board
Lilja plans further investment in Paradox's core games and better tools and services for players and modders.
Paradox Interactive will hand its CEO role to deputy CEO Mattias Lilja on Jan. 4, 2027. Fredrik Wester is stepping aside but will remain a board member and the company’s largest shareholder, and says he will support Lilja in his LinkedIn post.
Wester first became CEO in April 2009, moved to executive chairman in August 2018, then returned to the chief executive role in September 2021. He said Paradox needed a reset at the time. Since then, Lilja has taken on more responsibility for operations and carrying out company strategy, while Wester focused on long-term development. Paradox described the handoff as a natural evolution of its current leadership. In its announcement, Wester said the company had streamlined its strategy, rebuilt its pipeline, and developed its commercial offering since his return, with Lilja playing a central role.
Lilja had spent five years in executive roles at Paradox before leaving in 2020. He returned in 2021 as chief of staff. His LinkedIn profile describes responsibilities that included supporting the CEO in leading the executive team, aligning strategy with day-to-day operations, and standing in for the CEO when needed.
As incoming CEO, Lilja says Paradox plans to invest further in its core business, push its game design further, work more closely with players, and develop better tools and services for players and modders. He also pointed to changes in the company’s organization and working practices, with player value as the focus. Chairman Håkan Sjunnesson backed the appointment, citing Lilja’s vision and operational and commercial experience in the company’s announcement.
Paradox’s August reveal of Afterworld introduced one project Lilja will oversee. The post-apocalyptic grand strategy game centers on leading a survivor tribe and rebuilding civilization.
Which part of Lilja’s plan should Paradox tackle first? For updates on Paradox’s plans for its games and modder tools, follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
