Yves Guillemot, the long-standing CEO of Ubisoft, has shared a heartfelt tribute to his brother and fellow co-founder, Claude Guillemot, ten days after his sudden passing.
Claude Guillemot died earlier this month in a tragic plane crash in France, an incident that also claimed the life of an instructor. Writing on LinkedIn, Yves Guillemot thanked the community for their support following the loss.
"On behalf of my family and Ubisoft, I want to express our gratitude for your support, and the memories you have shared," Yves wrote. "They have brought us great comfort. During this difficult time, our thoughts are with his wife Nathalie and their children, Valentin, Julia, and Victoria."
A Legacy of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Claude Guillemot was one of five brothers who established Ubisoft in the 1980s. The siblings transitioned from a background in the family farming industry to the computing sector, eventually building the company into one of the most recognizable names in the gaming industry.
Reflecting on his brother's professional contributions, Yves highlighted Claude’s role as a board member and President of the Guillemot Corporation. "Claude's impact extended far beyond what he built," Yves stated. "He helped shape Ubisoft with an entrepreneurial spirit, curiosity, and unwavering optimism. He believed deeply in innovation, embraced new technologies early, and always encouraged us to look ahead with confidence."
Yves also noted that Claude's influence extended into the core culture of the studio. "Our belief that great games are created by talented people working together with trust, curiosity, and respect owes much to the example Claude set every day. His humanity influenced our company as much as his vision."
- Company Founded: March 28, 1986
- CEO: Yves Guillemot
- Headquarters: Saint Mandé, France
- Known For: Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Splinter Cell, Rayman
While Yves has remained the primary public face of the company for four decades, the brothers were instrumental in founding the organization, which takes its name from the term "ubiquitous software." Although Claude was not as involved in the day-to-day operations in recent years, he remained a presence on the Board of Directors, ensuring his influence on the company's trajectory continued until his death.