Paradox Interactive Appoints Mattias Lilja as Its Next CEO

Paradox Interactive’s board has appointed Deputy CEO Mattias Lilja as its next chief executive, effective January 4, 2027, the company announced on November 11, 2026. Fredrik Wester will remain CEO until the handover and then continue as a board member, focusing on the company’s long-term development.

The appointment formalizes a division of responsibility already in place. Lilja returned to Paradox when Wester became CEO in 2021 and has since taken increasing responsibility for operations and strategy execution, while Wester has concentrated more on long-term development and goals. Paradox said its strategy remains unchanged, and Wester remains the company’s largest shareholder.

Wester said Paradox had streamlined its strategy, rebuilt its pipeline and developed its commercial offering since he returned as CEO, with Lilja playing a central role in laying that foundation.

“My plan was never to be CEO for life. The goal was to build the foundation before passing the baton on for the next chapter in the company’s journey,” Wester said. He described Lilja’s experience and vision as leaving him exceptionally well positioned to lead Paradox through its next stage.

Board Cites Continuity and Experience

Chairman Håkan Sjunnesson said Wester’s leadership had left Paradox in a strong position while much of the industry faces major challenges, and that Lilja’s vision and operational and commercial expertise made him ready for the role.

Lilja said he would invest further in the core business, explore new directions in game design, work more closely with players, and expand and improve the tools and services available to modders and players. He also intends to sharpen how the organization works, with an emphasis on value for players.

The priorities extend beyond the production of individual games. Modding tools and player services are explicitly part of the agenda, alongside internal working practices, giving the incoming CEO a remit that covers both what Paradox makes and how its organization operates.

A Career Spanning Studios and Publishing

Lilja joined Paradox in 2009 as its first producer. He went on to head its studio organization, lead its publishing operation and serve as chief operating officer, among other roles. Paradox identifies Cities: Skylines, Hearts of Iron IV and Stellaris among the franchises launched under his leadership that have shaped its current portfolio.

Since returning to the company, Lilja has also focused on strategic and cultural development and on efforts to build an efficient core business with close player relationships. His experience therefore spans game production, studio management, publishing and executive operations, as well as the recent strategic work behind the handover.

For players and modders, the practical question is how Lilja’s commitments will shape future games, tools and services once he takes office, while Wester continues to contribute through his board seat.