After more than five years leading the company and turning the mobile game "Angry Birds" into a global entertainment franchise, Mikael Hed will step down as chief executive officer of Rovio Jan. 1.

The company's chief commercial officer Pekka Rantala will succeed him.

Rantala has more than 20 years of international leadership experience within branded consumer products in various industries, most recently as senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Nokia.

The chairman of the board, Kaj Hed, has nominated Hed for a position on the board of directors. In addition, Hed has also 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,” says Hed. “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.”