Trond Arne Aas has stepped down from the position of Funcom’s CEO and instead decided to serve as a Strategic Advisor to the Board and also take on the role of Chief Strategy Officer.
The decision was taken by the long term CEO of the Norwegian video game developer after the launch of the modern-day massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) titled The Secret World.
Aas has confirmed that he will remain committed to the company as both a shareholder and an employee. However, he will no longer be a part of the Management Board.
Explaining his decision to step down from the position of CEO, Aas said that the time appeared to be ideal for him to ask for a transition into another role as the company is currently going through a great phase in terms of both profitability and stability and also launching two new products, namely The Secret World and Fashion Week Live, which are expected to make the product portfolio of the company even more impressive.
“The company’s financial position is strong and the foundation of the company’s long-term product and technology strategy is in place,” Aas said. “It feels like a very natural point in time for me to make the transition to a new and freer role in the company, but I will remain committed to the Company both as a major shareholder and as an employee.”
The former CEO of Funcom conceded that over the seven years of serving in such a key position, the experience had been nothing short of exciting and rewarding. The company had grown significantly and managed to establish itself as one of the most respected MMO-space and credible developer, creating a number of successful products, which include Age of Conan, Anarchy Online and The Longest Journey, during his tenure. Now, the time seemed right to him to free himself off his former duties and take up another freer role. Transitioning into his new roles, Aas will be working on the LEGO MMO project that has been recently announced by Funcom.
The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Funcom Gerhard Florin acknowledged the contributions of Aas towards the success of the company. With him stepping down, the Supervisory Board has selected chief operating officer (COO) Ole Schreiner as his successor, feeling confident in his abilities to serve as a strong CEO for Funcom.
Florin explained that Schreiner has been working with Aas for years and thus developed a deep understanding of the business and operations of the studio. His vast experience in the online games business and adept operating skills make him an ideal choice to be designated as the new CEO and continue to steer Funcom towards success as Aas had done.
Demand for digital distribution of games on the rise in the United States 
Lollipop Chainsaw makers considering player feedback to shape new project Killer Is Dead 
Sony executives take massive pay cuts after record losses
Sleeping Dogs to feature voices of Emma Stone and Lucy Liu
Dishonored developer voices concern over lack of variety in industry
PlayStation Vita getting Gran Turismo?
Zynga’s Bubble Safari runs at 60-fps on Facebook