Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Killed in Plane Crash in France

Claude Guillemot, one of the five Guillemot brothers who founded Ubisoft, was killed in a plane crash in western France on Friday evening. He was 69. According to French reports, he was flying a Cessna 421 near the La Baule airstrip, close to his vacation home, when the aircraft went down. The pilot instructor on board also died.

Ubisoft said it had learned of the death of its co-founder and Guillemot Corporation president with “deep sadness,” adding, “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” The two men had taken off Friday afternoon from Rennes for La Baule, on their way to a gathering of light-aircraft enthusiasts.

Guillemot founded Ubisoft in 1986 in his hometown of Carentoir in Brittany with his brothers Michel, Yves, Gérard and Christian. The company began with early games such as Zombi and Iron Lord, and later became a global gaming heavyweight with franchises including Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, Driver, Rabbids, Tom Clancy’s and Watch Dogs.

He also led Guillemot Corporation, the family business focused on gaming accessories and digital audio technology, which was established in 1984. In July 2025, he handed day-to-day control to his son Valentin Guillemot, who became CEO, while Claude remained chairman. Ubisoft, run by his brother Yves Guillemot, said Claude sat on the board but was not part of the management team. His death comes as Ubisoft prepares to launch Black Flag Resynced, a remastered Assassin’s Creed title, on July 9, hoping it will help after years of weak finances and declining popularity.