adminNexon has appointed Patrick Söderlund as its new executive chairman, assigning him a central role in the company’s global strategy and next phase of growth. The Nexon executive chairman will lead a company-wide transformation covering portfolio strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational development, while continuing as CEO of Embark Studios.
Image credit: Embark Studios
Why Nexon appointed Patrick Söderlund as executive chairman
Nexon says the appointment is intended to support broader strategic change and give fresh direction to its creative and business plans. Söderlund will work with Nexon President and CEO Junghun Lee, who has said that the two leaders share an understanding of the changes the company needs to make.
The responsibilities outlined for Söderlund reach across several areas. Portfolio strategy involves evaluating the company’s games and franchises as a whole, while mergers and acquisitions can help shape which businesses or capabilities it invests in. Organizational development focuses on how the company is structured and how its teams work together. These areas provide a framework for the transformation, though Nexon has not detailed specific initiatives or timelines.
Söderlund will remain CEO of Embark Studios
Söderlund currently leads Embark Studios, the developer of Arc Raiders. Before joining Embark, he built a long career at EA and DICE. He also joined Nexon’s board after the company invested in Embark in 2018. His new appointment adds company-wide responsibilities without ending his role at the studio.
In discussing Nexon’s potential, Söderlund pointed to its experienced teams, established franchises, large player communities, and live-service capabilities. He also stressed that turning those strengths into further growth will take focus and discipline. Lee, meanwhile, highlighted Söderlund’s experience building studios, bringing industry talent together, and delivering successful games internationally.
Nexon’s growth and major game franchises
Nexon’s 2025 earnings showed record revenue for the third consecutive year. The company attributed its performance to games and franchises including Dungeon & Fighter, MapleStory, and Arc Raiders. At the time of the earnings report, Arc Raiders had sold more than 14 million copies.
That commercial context helps explain why the leadership change places emphasis on both Nexon’s existing portfolio and its future direction. However, the appointment alone does not establish which games, acquisitions, or organizational changes may follow. Readers tracking the strategy should look for further company announcements and updates on Nexon’s financial results.
What the appointment means for Nexon
The Nexon executive chairman role puts Söderlund in a position to influence strategy across the company while he continues to run Embark Studios. For players and industry observers, the practical impact will depend on how Nexon translates its stated priorities into decisions about its franchises, teams, and future investments.
