Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors to become executive chair and focus on M&A
‘This new phase allows me to focus on strategic initiatives, M&A, and capital allocation.’
Embracer Group co-founder and CEO Lars Wingefors, who helped turn the company into a layoff and divestment powerhouse after an ill-fated merger and acquisition spree, is transitioning roles so he can "focus on strategic initiatives, M&A, and capital allocation."
Wingefors will officially step down as CEO on August 1, 2025, and is proposed to be appointed as executive chair of the board of Embracer. He will be replaced by Embracer deputy CEO Phil Rogers, who also leads Crystal Dynamics—Eidos as CEO.
It's a notable changing of the guard that comes with Embracer attempting to rightsize after massively reducing its headcount and studio footprint by enacting a brutal restructuring program that resulted in high-profile divestments, mass layoffs, and widespread studio closures.
Lars Wingefors was at the helm during that tumultuous period, but also oversaw the mammoth M&A splurge that eventually resulted in those rampant cuts.
Discussing that strategic pivot in 2023, Wingefors said Embracer had to switch out of its "current heavy-investment mode" to become a "highly cash-flow generative business."
Embracer continues business reorganization but hints at future acquisitions
After years of redundancies and downsizing, Embracer sought to begin a new era by splitting its business into three standalone companies. That pivot was announced in April 2024 with a view to enabling different areas of the business to search for "winning formulas."
"Rather than imposing conformity on thriving businesses, we should foster an environment that amplifies existing success," said Wingefors at the time.
That process is now well underway. Embracer has spun out those entities in the guise of Asmodee, Coffee Stain Group, and Fellowship Entertainment—all of which will be overseen by a privately held holding company called Embracer AB—and suggested it remains interested in "potentially" acquiring other companies.
Wingefors will be the person driving those prospective M&A efforts going forward.
"With the start of this new phase, I am thankful for the years and lessons learned as CEO of Embracer. While the road has not always been straight, I am incredibly proud of the achievements made possible by our talented teams, which have created some incredible experiences for gamers," said Wingefors in a note to investors.
"This new phase allows me to focus on strategic initiatives, M&A, and capital allocation, ensuring Embracer's continued growth and success. I am more convinced than ever that the best is still ahead of us."