Claude Guillemot, a foundational figure behind the rise of Ubisoft, has died following a tragic aviation accident in France this past Saturday. According to reports from the Associated Press, the twin-engine Cessna 421 he was piloting crashed in a field just moments before its scheduled landing at La Baule-Escoublac Airport on the Atlantic coast. Both Guillemot and the flight instructor accompanying him lost their lives in the incident.
In a formal statement provided to GamesIndustry.biz and other news outlets, a Ubisoft representative expressed the company’s profound sorrow: “Ubisoft is deeply saddened by the passing of Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of our group and chairman of Guillemot Corp. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
While the Guillemot family is synonymous with Ubisoft—which they established together in 1986—Claude’s professional focus had long been centered on the hardware industry as the president and CEO of Guillemot Corporation. His brother, Yves, has steered Ubisoft as chairman and CEO for nearly four decades. Those interested in the historical roots of the gaming giant can explore the studio’s legacy through Game Informer’s oral history, documented in the archived issue 223.
This tragedy occurs against a backdrop of significant transition for Ubisoft, which has grappled with recent organizational restructuring, staff layoffs, and a series of high-profile project cancellations throughout 2026. Last year, the publisher established Vantage Studios—a dedicated entity designed to oversee flagship properties like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six—under the leadership of Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot, the latter being Yves’ son and Claude’s nephew.
The entire team at Game Informer extends its deepest sympathies to the Guillemot family as they mourn this sudden and devastating loss.
