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Paradox Interactive founder Fredrik Wester is to step down as the firm’s CEO in August, as Ebba Ljungerud (pictured above) has been appointed as the new CEO at the Cities: Skyline developer.
Ljungerud has been a non-executive director of the board at Paradox since 2014 and is currently CEO at London-based online gambling operator Kindred Group. Wester will not be leaving Paradox though, as he will take over the role of executive chairman of the board, replacing Håkan Sjunnesson who will become deputy chairman. Wester’s appointment will formally be made at Paradox’s AGM in May.
The official announcement added that these changes were made to “better capitalize on Paradox’s growth opportunities while also significantly strengthening the support given to existing operations.”
Ljungerud commented: “My four years in the Paradox board have been very similar to the development of the company over the same period. The pace has been fast, it’s been challenging, and at times has required fast changes but above all else it has been incredibly fun. Paradox is an amazing company and I have had the privilege to work not only with Fredrik and the rest of board but also with the management team and key people in the organisation.
“This, combined with my experiences of leading and developing fast-growing companies, makes me eager to continue bringing Paradox forth on our planned journey. I’m very excited to continue creating results together with the people in the organisation, working with all of our stellar products, and getting to know our community better.”
Wester added: “One of the main reasons we have gotten to where we are today is that we have built on what we do best, while we’ve had the courage to challenge ourselves and have not been afraid to make the changes needed to take the company to the next level. An important step in doing so is to have the right people in the right positions. Ebba has a good understanding of Paradox and our culture, along with extensive experience and the competence we need now and, perhaps most importantly, a strong will and ambition to continue developing the company. She has our fullest confidence after our years together in the board and I am convinced that she will strengthen our team here at Paradox tremendously.”
He continued: “Ebba will be responsible for all of our existing operations in her role as CEO, while I will be focusing on better capitalizing on Paradox’s growth opportunities. This is something I have focused heavily on during my years at Paradox but I’ve had very limited time for it over the past two years. Growth opportunities under my guidance will include mergers & acquisitions, new opportunities and business development, but I will also be supporting the organisation if needed.”
