Nexon Appoints Patrick Söderlund as Executive Chairman to Drive Global Strategy
TOKYO – February 20, 2026 – Nexon Co., Ltd. (3659.TO) today announced the appointment of Patrick Söderlund as Executive Chairman. The appointment is effective immediately.
Strategic Leadership for Nexon’s Next Phase
In this newly created role, Söderlund will have broad authority over Nexon’s long-term strategy, creative direction, and global game development. He will collaborate closely with Nexon CEO Junghun Lee and the executive leadership team as the company focuses on growth. Lee will continue to focus on the business side of the company, although Söderlund will lead the creative vision.
Söderlund’s Background and Success with Embark Studios
Söderlund is currently the founder and CEO of Embark Studios, the developer behind the hit game Arc Raiders. Arc Raiders, released in 2025, has been a significant success, even prompting concern from competitors like Bungie regarding their own releases. He joined Nexon’s Board following the company’s investment in Embark in 2018.
Extensive Experience in the Gaming Industry
Prior to founding Embark Studios, Söderlund held leadership positions at Electronic Arts (EA), including Executive Vice President of Worldwide Studios and Chief Design Officer. He also served as CEO of Digital Illusions CE (DICE), the studio responsible for the Battlefield and Mirror’s Edge franchises, before its acquisition by EA in 2006.
Statements from Nexon Leadership
“Nexon has all the assets to unleash dramatic growth – incredibly talented people, iconic franchises, large and committed player communities, and best-in-class live service capabilities,” said Patrick Söderlund. “This is an enormous opportunity, but one that will require deep focus and discipline. Junghun and I are aligned on what needs to happen and I’m ready to gain to operate.”
“Patrick and I are fully aligned on transforming Nexon,” said Junghun Lee, President and CEO of Nexon. “He’s built studios, attracted the industry’s best people to work with him, and shipped massive global hits. That’s exactly what Nexon needs right now.”
Future Outlook
Söderlund and Lee will provide further details on Nexon’s strategic priorities at the Capital Markets Briefing on March 31, 2026.
About NEXON Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1994, NEXON Co., Ltd. (Nexon) (3659.TO) is a global leader in online game production, development, and operation. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since December 2011, Nexon is also part of the JPX400, Nikkei Stock Index 300, and Nikkei 225. The company operates over 40 games in more than 190 countries across PC, console, and mobile platforms. Key franchises include MapleStory, Mabinogi, and Dungeon&Fighter. In 2024, Nexon initiated a multi-year IP Growth Initiative focused on expanding existing franchises and developing new intellectual properties.