Claude Guillemot, one of the five brothers who co-founded the gaming giant Ubisoft in 1986, has died at the age of 69. The death was confirmed by Ubisoft following a fatal plane crash on June 19, 2026, near the La Baule-Escoublac aerodrome in Loire-Atlantique, France.
According to reports from Ouest-France and local emergency services (SDIS 44), the Cessna 421 aircraft, which Guillemot was reportedly piloting, crashed during the landing phase. The incident resulted in a fire that affected surrounding vegetation, prompting a significant response from local firefighters and ambulance crews. Both occupants of the aircraft were confirmed dead at the scene.
La Baule Mayor Franck Louvrier stated that the aircraft was on approach when witnesses observed it execute a turn before the crash. An investigation into the exact cause of the accident is currently ongoing. Flags at the local aerodrome were flown at half-mast on June 20 to honor the victims.
Guillemot served as the Chairman and CEO of Guillemot Corporation, a company specializing in gaming and audio hardware that the family established shortly before launching Ubisoft. The Guillemot family has maintained significant influence and shareholder control over Ubisoft throughout the company’s four-decade history, navigating various market challenges and corporate restructurings.
In a statement provided to Newsweek, Ubisoft expressed its “profound sadness” regarding the passing and extended condolences to the family, noting that no further corporate communications would be issued at this time.