Claude Guillemot, Ubisoft Co-Founder, Dies in Plane Crash
Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of Ubisoft and chairman of Guillemot Corporation, was killed in a plane crash in western France on Friday evening. A second person on board also died.
Incident Details
The aircraft, a twin-engine Cessna 421, crashed in a field near La Baule Airport on the Atlantic coast shortly before landing.
Claude Guillemot was piloting the plane at the time of the crash, and a flight instructor was also on board. Both individuals were killed.
According to multiple sources, the plane was traveling from Rennes to La Baule for a light airplane enthusiast meeting. A La Baule airport official confirmed the crash on condition of anonymity. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. The town of La Baule had a planned air show scheduled for the weekend.
Victims
Claude Guillemot was 69 years old. The other person on board was a flight instructor. Both were reported to be licensed and experienced pilots.
Background
Claude Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 with his four brothers: Michel, Yves, Gérard, and Christian. He played a key role in advancing the company's mail-order software business.
Ubisoft is known for iconic video game franchises including Assassin's Creed, Just Dance, Rayman, Far Cry, Prince of Persia, Tom Clancy games, Splinter Cell, and Anno.
Claude Guillemot also served as Chairman of Guillemot Corporation, a gaming accessories company founded in 1984. He was involved in the founding of Gameloft in 2000.
In July 2025, he handed day-to-day management of Guillemot Corporation to his son Valentin but remained Chairman. At Ubisoft, he held the title of Deputy Chief Executive Officer. His brother Yves serves as Ubisoft’s CEO.
Official Response
Ubisoft released a statement confirming Guillemot's death, expressing sadness and requesting privacy.
"Ubisoft was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group and chairman of Guillemot Corp., in an accident. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time."
The company declined to provide further details.