Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies Aged 69 in Plane Crash

Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot has died aged 69 following a plane crash in western France.

Ubisoft confirmed Guillemot's death on Saturday, June 20, saying the company was deeply saddened by the accident. It extended its condolences to his family and loved ones and said it would not be making any further statements at this time.

The crash occured on the evening of June 19 near La Baule-Escoublac Airport on France’s Atlantic coast. The two-engine Cessna 421 was carrying Guillemot and a flight instructor when it crashed into a field shortly before landing. Both people on board were killed.

Local authorities said both men were licensed and experienced pilots. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway, and no official explanation for the accident has been provided.

Claude Guillemot helped establish Ubisoft in 1986

Claude Guillemot founded Ubisoft alongside his four brothers — Christian, Gérard, Michel and Yves — in 1986. The business grew from a small software distribution operation into one of the world’s largest video game publishers, producing franchises including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rayman, Just Dance and the Tom Clancy series.

Although Yves Guillemot became Ubisoft’s most recognisable executive as its long-serving CEO, Claude largely worked behind the scenes and played an important role in the family’s wider technology and entertainment businesses. Reuters described him as an operational backbone of the Guillemot family’s companies.

Claude and his brothers had also established the Guillemot Corporation Group in 1984, two years before Ubisoft. The company develops gaming accessories and digital audio products under the Thrustmaster and Hercules brands.

Claude served as Guillemot Corporation’s chairman and CEO until July 2025, when the two positions were separated and Valentin Guillemot became CEO. Claude remained chairman of the board, continuing to guide the company’s overall direction. Company materials published at the time also identified him as a deputy CEO of Ubisoft Entertainment.

The five brothers later co-founded mobile game publisher Gameloft in 2000, further expanding the family’s influence across the global games industry.

FAQ

Who was Claude Guillemot?

Claude Guillemot was a French businessman who co-founded Ubisoft with his four brothers in 1986. He also chaired Guillemot Corporation, the gaming hardware company behind Thrustmaster and Hercules.

How did Claude Guillemot die?

Claude Guillemot died in a Cessna 421 plane crash near La Baule-Escoublac Airport in western France on June 19, 2026. A flight instructor travelling with him was also killed.

What caused the plane crash involving Claude Guillemot?

The cause has not been announced. French authorities have opened an investigation into the crash.

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