Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft and a key figure in the company’s early growth, dies in a plane crash in western France, multiple outlets report. French officials say Guillemot, 69, was killed when a Cessna aircraft crashed near an airstrip and in the area of La Baule on the Atlantic coast. Several reports specify that the crash happened Friday evening, with the plane reportedly preparing to land near La Baule Airport. Outlets also agree that the aircraft was a Cessna 421 (twin-motor) and that Guillemot was on board with a flight instructor or another person. Reporting consistently places the location in France’s west, with details describing a field or area just before landing. Across sources, Guillemot is credited with helping build Ubisoft and is associated with major franchise work associated with the company, including Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. Tributes and industry attention follow the crash, while authorities investigate the circumstances.
Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot dies in Cessna crash in western France
Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft and a key figure in the company’s early growth, dies in a plane crash in western France, multiple outlets report. French officials say Guillemot, 69, was killed...
- Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of Ubisoft, dies in a plane crash in western France.
- The aircraft is reported as a Cessna (including a Cessna 421) that crashes near La Baule / La Baule Airport.
- The crash occurs on Friday evening, shortly before landing, according to reports.
- Guillemot is reported to be aboard the flight with a flight instructor or another person.
- Guillemot is widely described as a major architect of Ubisoft’s early success and associated franchises.
An anonymous reader quotes a report from TechCrunch: Claude Guillemot, co-founder of French video game company Ubisoft, died Friday at the age of 69. According to French media (via Bloomberg), Guillemot died in a plane crash in the French resort town of La Baule. He was one of two people aboard the plane, both of whom died. Guillemot founded Ubisoft with his four brothers in 1986. Since then, the company has published the Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Prince of Persia, and Tom Clancy video game franchises, as well as many other titles. The family retains control of Ubisoft, and Guillemot's brother Yves is still CEO. Guillemot was also chairman of Guillemot Corp., which makes gaming and audio accessories. "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," Ubisoft said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time." Read more of this story at Slashdot.
1 month agoUbisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot died in plane crash on June 19 in an accident that also left another person dead. Guillemot was 69. Ubisoft said in a statement (via The New York Times) that it was "deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group and chairman of Guillemot Corp., in an accident." The statement added: "Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time." A report from French news broadcaster ICI said the crash happened just before 6 PM local time in La Baule, in western France. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOcx9yZJoDc Guillemot and one other person in the twin-engine Cessna 421 propeller plane were killed in the crash, the report said. A report from the Associated Press said the other person was a flight instructor. Both were licensed and experienced pilots, the report said. The mayor of La Baule, Franck Louvrier, said witness reports indicated that the plane "banked and crashed" upon approach to the city's airport. Claude Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 together with his four brothers, including current CEO Yves Guillemot. Yves' son, Charlie Guillemot, was recently promoted to a top position at the company. Claude Guillemot was on Ubisoft's board of directors. He was the CEO of Guillemot Corporation, a French company that makes gaming accessories and also owns the Thrustmaster brand. He earned a Master's degree in economic science from Rennes 1 University in France.
1 month agoClaude Guillemot Assassins Creed maker Ubisofts cofounder dies in plane crash in France
1 month agoUbisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot dies in plane crash EurogamerClaude Guillemot: Ubisoft founder killed in plane crash Sky NewsClaude Guillemot, Ubisoft Co-Founder, Is Dead After Plane Crash in France The New York TimesUbisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Air Crash at Age 69 BloombergThe Anatomy of Corporate Succession and Operational Risk aft Lavender Hotel
1 month agoUbisoft co-founder, Claude Guillemot, has died in a plane crash. Read more
1 month agoUbisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot dies in plane crash TechCrunchClaude Guillemot: Ubisoft founder killed in plane crash Sky NewsClaude Guillemot, Ubisoft Co-Founder, Is Dead After Plane Crash in France The New York TimesThe Anatomy of Corporate Succession and Operational Risk aft Lavender HotelUbisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Air Crash at Age 69 Bloomberg.com
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