Claude Guillemot Dies; Ubisoft Co-Founder Perished in Plane Crash

One of Ubisoft‘s co-founders, Claude Guillemot, dies in a plane crash in France. He was 69.

Claude was a businessman who, along with his siblings Christian, Yves, Michel, and Gerard, established the video game company Ubisoft in 1986. Unlike Yves, who occasionally made public appearances at Ubisoft events, Claude mainly worked behind the scenes, ensuring that the company grew from a video game mail-order service into the industry giant of today.

Outside of Ubisoft, Claude was the chairman of Guillemot Corp., specializing in tech accessories for PC, mobile devices, and gaming consoles. Brands released under Guillemot Corp. are Hercules (DJ, streaming, and audio devices), Thrustmaster (gaming/simulator controller), and Djuced (DJ software).

Claude was reported dead on June 19 in a plane crash in La Baule, Western France. His remains were found in a Cessna 421 wreckage, along with another person. Both of them perished from the crash.

Claude and the other person, highly likely his flight instructor, were licensed and trained airplane pilots. They’re reportedly attending an air show held around the 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,” a Ubisoft spokesperson said.

“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time.”

Local authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.