Claude Guillemot, a pivotal figure in the gaming industry and co-founder of the global publishing powerhouse Ubisoft, tragically passed away on June 19 following a plane crash.
According to reports from French media outlet ICI, a twin-engine aircraft carrying two individuals went down during its landing approach at an airfield in La Baule, France. Both occupants, including the 69-year-old Guillemot, sadly lost their lives in the accident.
While Ubisoft has maintained a reserved public stance, the company issued a statement to Bloomberg: “Ubisoft is profoundly saddened by the loss of Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of the group and the esteemed chairman of Guillemot Corp. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult period. We will not be providing further comments at this time.”
The news was also shared by industry veteran Geoff Keighley, who acknowledged the loss via social media.
Ubisoft’s origins trace back to March 1986, established by the five Guillemot brothers: Christian, Claude, Gerard, Michel, and Yves. While Yves continues to lead Ubisoft as its Chairman and CEO, Claude served as the Chairman of Guillemot Corporation—a sibling entity that manages brands such as Thrustmaster, Hercules Computer Technology, and Djuced.
Under the family’s long-standing stewardship, Ubisoft evolved into a titan of the video game sector, responsible for genre-defining franchises including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rayman. The company has navigated significant challenges recently, undergoing major structural reorganizations that included the closure of development studios in Serbia and Canada earlier this month. Despite these shifts, the Guillemot family remains the primary stakeholder in the organization.
Source: Polygon
