Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot dies following plane crash in western France
From early software distribution in France to building one of gaming’s largest publishers, his influence shaped Ubisoft’s rise.
Claude Guillemot, one of the five Guillemot brothers and a co-founder of Ubisoft, has died following an aviation accident in western France. He was 69.
As reported by Ouest-France (via Franceinfo), the crash occurred on June 19, 2026, when a twin-engine propeller aircraft went down in a field while approaching the La Baule aerodrome in the Loire-Atlantique region. Both occupants were killed. French emergency services believe one of the victims was Claude Guillemot, who was travelling to a regional aviation event. While the formal identification process is still ongoing, his family was notified shortly after the accident.
A key figure behind Ubisoft’s growth
Although his brother Yves Guillemot became the public face of Ubisoft as its long-time CEO, Claude Guillemot played a decisive role in the company’s development. Holding a master’s degree in economic science and additional training in industrial computing, he was a central figure in aligning technical operations with business strategy.
During his time at Ubisoft, Claude held several senior positions, including executive vice president of operations and board member. He was also CEO of Guillemot Corporation, where he led the growth of the family’s hardware division, overseeing the distribution of gaming peripherals and accessories worldwide.
The Story Behind Ubisoft’s Foundation
Ubisoft’s roots trace back to the early 1980s in Brittany, France, where the Guillemot family initially operated in the agricultural supply business. Following their university education, Claude, Christian, Gérard, Michel, and Yves Guillemot concluded that their current field lacked long-term prospects and shifted their focus to the emerging home computing industry.
Related stories
They established Guillemot Informatique as a mail-order company, importing software and hardware directly from the United Kingdom and the United States, bypassing intermediaries and reducing costs for French consumers. That early success in distribution provided the foundation for their move into video game development and the creation of Ubi Soft, later renamed Ubisoft.
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!