Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot

Claude Guillemot, one of the five brothers who co-founded Ubisoft in 1986, has tragically died in a plane crash in La Baule-Escoublac, Loire-Atlantique. The 69-year-old co-founder was one of two casualties in the incident involving a Cessna 421 aircraft, as confirmed by local fire and rescue services.

Reports indicate that the Cessna crashed in a field near the La Baule aerodrome on the afternoon of June 19. While the exact cause of the crash remains unclear, the mayor of La Baule, Franck Louvrier, provided details about the aircraft, stating, “It was a Cessna 421, a twin-engine propeller, with eight seats. The plane was on approach for landing when, according to witnesses, it made a turn and crashed.”

The families of both victims have been informed of their loss.

Following the crash, the Cessna 421 ignited, causing a fire that spread across several football fields of vegetation. Approximately sixty firefighters and thirty ambulances were dispatched to manage the blaze and search for a possible third victim, but the search was ultimately deemed “futile.” In a show of respect, flags were lowered to half-mast at the La Baule aerodrome on June 20.

Claude Guillemot was instrumental in establishing Ubisoft alongside his brothers Yves, Michel, Christian, and Gérard. At the time of his death, he served as the Chairman and CEO of Guillemot Corporation, which specializes in audio and gaming accessories. The Guillemot family has maintained control of Ubisoft since its inception, navigating challenges such as attempted hostile takeovers and recent corporate restructuring amid declining sales.