Rovio CEO Mikael Hed Stepping Down

ESPOO: After five years as the head of Rovio Entertainment, which is behind the hit Angry Birds franchise, Mikael Hed is departing the CEO post, to be succeeded in 2015 by Pekka Rantala.

The CEO transition will happen by January 1, 2015. Between now and then, Rantala and Hed will be working closely to ensure a smooth succession. The chairman of the board, Kaj Hed, has nominated Mikael Hed for a board of directors position. In addition, Mikael Hed has been appointed as chairman of Rovio Animation Studios, where he will oversee animation and movies.

“It has been an amazing ride and in the coming months I will be very happy to pass the hoodie to Pekka Rantala, who will take Rovio to the next level,” Mikael Hed said. “Pekka is known to be a great leader with experience building successful global consumer brands. I will continue to play an active role and will support Pekka in any way I can to ensure Rovio’s continued success.”