CD Projekt Co-Founder Steps Down as Joint CEO
CD Projekt co-founder Marcin Iwiński announced he is stepping down as joint CEO of the Polish company after 28 years in the role.
Iwiński plans to submit his candidacy for the non-executive position of chairman of the company’s supervisory board, as well as remain a major shareholder in the company. By the end of 2022, Iwiński will hand over his existing duties to the CD Projekt Supervisory Board.
A message from Marcin Iwiński ― co-founder and Joint CEO of CD PROJEKT. pic.twitter.com/NTp7F9RcFw
— CD PROJEKT RED (@CDPROJEKTRED) October 4, 2022
"For me, this a huge moment," Iwiński's statement reads. "I've been at CD Projekt for almost 30 years and I have seen it go from a handful of passion-driven rebels to an internationally recognized developer of story-driven role-playing games loved by millions globally. Back when Michał Kiciński and I founded the company, I don't think either of us would have been able to imagine this incredible journey, not even in our wildest dreams.
"When I think about the future of CD Projekt, it is so exciting for me. Today, the company consists of over 1,200 people across offices all over the world. ... It is thanks to that commitment and amazing talent that right now I have the same feeling I had all those years ago — hunger and optimism for what's ahead."
CD Projekt, the Polish video game studio based in Warsaw, was founded in May 1994 by Iwiński and Kiciński.
CD Projekt's rise to prominence in the gaming industry initially started with its translations of titles such as Baldur's Gate into Polish.
Soon enough, CD Projekt began making its own titles for The Witcher series, based on the works of novelist Andrzej Sapkowski.
In 2020, the company released Cyberpunk 2077, which is based on the Cyberpunk 2020 tabletop game system.
Tuesday afternoon, CD Projekt also gave a Strategy Update presentation in which it revealed the general outline of its long-term franchise development plans, including the codenames and descriptions of five upcoming titles. The list includes three titles set in The Witcher universe, a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel and a new original IP.
"I will remain active and engaged dedicating my focus on supporting the entire Management Board," Iwiński said. "I will also remain connected to the core of what makes us special, which is making the best storytelling games in the world and doing right by gamers."