Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Plane Crash
Original: Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot dies in plane crash
Why This Matters
Loss of gaming industry veteran and Ubisoft founder impacts one of world's largest video game publishers during family ownership transition.
Claude Guillemot, 69-year-old co-founder of French video game publisher Ubisoft, died Friday in a plane crash in La Baule, France. Both occupants of the aircraft died in the incident. Guillemot founded Ubisoft with his four brothers in 1986.
Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft and chairman of Guillemot Corp., died Friday at age 69 in a plane crash in the French resort town of La Baule. According to French media reports cited by Bloomberg, both occupants aboard the aircraft died in the accident. Guillemot established Ubisoft with his four brothers in 1986. Under their leadership, the company has published major gaming franchises including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Prince of Persia, and Tom Clancy titles, among numerous other games. The Guillemot family maintains control of Ubisoft, with Guillemot's brother Yves serving as CEO. Beyond Ubisoft, Guillemot also chaired Guillemot Corp., which manufactures gaming and audio accessories. In a statement, Ubisoft said: "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."