Claude Guillemot, Ubisoft Co-Founder, Dies in Plane Crash
Claude Guillemot, who co-founded Ubisoft with his brothers in 1986, has died in a plane crash near La Baule, France. He was 69.
Claude Guillemot, one of the five brothers who founded Ubisoft in 1986, has died, the company confirmed. According to initial reports from Ouest France, Guillemot, 69, was one of two victims in a Cessna 421 plane crash that occurred on the afternoon of June 19. The incident took place in a field near La Baule airport on the western coast of France. Local firefighters reported that the aircraft was on fire when they arrived and the flames were spreading to the surrounding area.
"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," Ubisoft said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time."
Along with his brothers, Guillemot grew Ubisoft into a major video game publisher headquartered in France, known for successful franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry. Guillemot also served as chairman and CEO of Guillemot Corp., which owns DJ equipment maker Hercules and gaming peripheral company Thrustmaster. Additionally, he sat on Ubisoft's board of directors, while his brother Yves remains Ubisoft's chairman, CEO, and director.
