Lars Wingefors has announced his resignation as CEO of Embracer, with Phil Rogers set to assume the position in August 2025

Embracer's co-founder Lars Wingefors will no longer serve as CEO, effective August 2025. Phil Rogers, currently the deputy CEO, is appointed to fill the role. Rogers' association with Embracer began in 2022 when the company acquired Eidos Montreal. His resume includes leading roles at Crystal Dynamics and Plaion.

In his post-CEO chapter at Embracer, Wingefors has been nominated for the position of executive chair of the board, while the current chair, Kicki Wallje-Lund, is proposed to become the deputy chair. Additionally, Wingefors will join the board of Coffee Stain Group as a director, collaborating with its CEO and co-founder Anton Westbergh. More board members are expected to be named for Coffee Stain Group by August 2025. Erik Sunnerdahl, presently Embracer's financial director, will transition to CFO of Coffee Stain Group.

Last month, Embracer revealed plans to turn Coffee Stain Group into an independent entity by year-end. This spin-off will comprise over 250 enthusiastic game developers and publishers, including Coffee Stain, Ghost Ship, and Tuxedo Labs, aiming to create community-driven gaming experiences.

"As we embark on this new phase, I am grateful for the journey and the lessons as Embracer's CEO," Wingefors stated. He acknowledged that the path has had its challenges but expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and the experiences created for gamers. This next chapter will allow him to concentrate on strategic pursuits, mergers and acquisitions, and capital distribution to foster Embracer's ongoing growth and success. Wingefors further emphasized his belief in a promising future and his confidence in Rogers' capabilities, looking forward to maintaining a close working relationship.

Wingefors ascended to the CEO position after THQ Nordic rebranded as Embracer Group in September 2019, during which he led significant acquisitions, including Gearbox ($1.3 billion), Saber Interactive ($525 million), and Crystal Dynamics ($300 million), alongside the €2.75 billion purchase of Asmodee.

Nonetheless, a restructuring effort began in 2023 following the collapse of a $2 billion deal with Savvy Games Group. This endeavor led to substantial job reductions and studio closures. Subsequently, there have been sales of Gearbox and Saber Interactive, while Asmodee, Coffee Stain, and Fellowship Entertainment have become separate entities. Layoffs were also reported at Eidos-Montreal and Crystal Dynamics.

In a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz, Wingefors addressed the critiques concerning the restructuring and the associated layoffs. He accepted responsibility, saying, "As a leader and an owner, sometimes you need to take the blame," emphasizing his humility and willingness to acknowledge potential missteps. Despite this, he voiced his commitment to the company's mission and affirmed the new structure was essential to advance their objectives.