Starbreeze appoints former EA exec as CEO to lead multi-title expansion
Summary
Starbreeze has named Adolf Kristjansson as its new CEO, effective April 1.
He replaces interim CEO Mats Juhl, who returns to his CFO role.
Kristjansson brings 20+ years of games industry experience from EA, spanning FIFA, Battlefield, Apex Legends, and Star Wars.
His mandate centers on expanding the Payday franchise and building Starbreeze into a multi-title studio.
"I join Starbreeze with great enthusiasm for the company's current and future projects, not the least the upcoming Dungeons & Dragons title."
01
Leadership profile - EA veteran with major franchise credentials
Kristjansson held senior roles at EA including international commercial senior director and global head of digital.
His portfolio spans some of gaming's biggest IPs: FIFA, Battlefield, Apex Legends, and Star Wars.
Over 20 years of industry experience positions him as a commercially seasoned operator.
02
Leadership transition - third CEO change in roughly a year
Mats Juhl was appointed interim CEO in May 2024 after then-CEO Juergen Goeldner stepped down to become chairman.
Goeldner himself had taken the interim CEO role in March 2024 following Tobias Sjorgren's departure.
The rapid succession of leadership changes signals an ongoing effort to stabilize Starbreeze's executive layer.
"I want to take the opportunity to thank Mats Juhl for his great contribution during his period as interim CEO."
03
Strategic priorities - franchise growth and portfolio expansion
Kristjansson is tasked with continuing the expansion of the Payday franchise.
A Dungeons & Dragons title is in development and cited as a key near-term project.
The broader goal is transforming Starbreeze from a single-franchise studio into a true multi-title operation.
"I look forward to expanding the Payday franchise further and building Starbreeze into a true multi-title studio."
04
Outlook - new leadership sets stage for Starbreeze's next chapter
With a commercially experienced CEO now in place, Starbreeze appears focused on scaling beyond Payday's single-IP dependency.
The upcoming D&D title will serve as an early test of Kristjansson's ability to shepherd new IP alongside existing franchises.
Engagement with the player community is flagged as a priority, suggesting a live-service-aware approach to growth.
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