Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot dies in air crash at age 69

Claude Guillemot's death in a La Baule air crash underscores the sudden loss of a founder who helped shape a global gaming company. The 69-year-old co-founder of Ubisoft and chairman of Guillemot Corp died June 19 when a twin-engine Cessna 421 crashed in the Atlantic resort town on France's coast. He helped launch Ubisoft with his brothers in 1986, building a publishing powerhouse that remains a cornerstone of European gaming. As Guillemot Corp's chairman, he oversaw entertainment hardware and brands such as Hercules and Thrustmaster. Ouest-France reported he was one of two people aboard and that both died; the air show planned for that weekend in La Baule.

Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft's chief executive, is Claude's brother and shares the family's stake in Guillemot Corp. Claude Guillemot held a master's degree in economic science from the University of Rennes. Ubisoft issued a statement expressing deep sadness and offering thoughts to his family, noting that no further statements would be made at this time. The accident occurred in La Baule on France's Atlantic coast, a town known for its upcoming air show. Local newspaper reports identified the aircraft as a twin-engine Cessna 421, and authorities have not released additional details.