Claude Guillemot, one of the co-founders of Ubisoft, has died following a light aircraft crash in La Baule, according to a report from French outlet Franceinfo.
The report states that a twin-engine aircraft that departed from Rennes crashed in La Baule, killing two people. Claude Guillemot, who owned the aircraft, was among those who died in the accident.
Guillemot was one of the five Guillemot brothers who founded Ubisoft in March 1986. Alongside Yves, Michel, Gérard, and Christian Guillemot, he helped build the company into one of the world’s largest video game publishers.
While Yves Guillemot became the public face of the company as its CEO, Claude played a key role behind the scenes. He served as Executive Vice-President of Operations and was involved in Ubisoft’s growth from a small French business into a global publisher known for franchises including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege.
Outside of Ubisoft, Guillemot was also associated with Guillemot Corporation, the company behind gaming hardware and accessory brands such as Thrustmaster.
Further details surrounding the crash have not been released. Ubisoft has not yet issued a public statement regarding Guillemot’s death at the time of writing.
