# Claude Guillemot

> Claude Guillemot (1956-2026) was a French entrepreneur who co-founded Ubisoft with his four brothers and led the hardware business Guillemot Corporation, whose brands include Hercules and Thrustmaster. He served as its CEO until July 2025 and remained chairman until his death in June 2026. He also led Passeport Armorique from 2009, helping students in western France connect with business mentors.

- **Role:** Former co-founder, Chairman and CEO at Guillemot Corporation (died June 19, 2026)
- **Organizations:** Guillemot Corporation, Ubisoft Entertainment, Passeport Armorique pour Entreprendre, Le Club des Trente
- **From:** Carentoir, France
- **Nationality:** French
- **Education:** Master’s degree in economics, Université de Rennes I, Certificate in industrial computing, ICAM Lille
- **Known for:** Co-founded Ubisoft in 1986., Led Guillemot Corporation’s development as an international interactive entertainment hardware business., Headed Passeport Armorique from 2009, supporting student entrepreneurship through mentoring.

## Career timeline

- **1981** — Completed an economics degree at Université de Rennes I before specializing in industrial computing at ICAM Lille and joining the family business.
- **1984** — With Michel, redirected the family business toward IT distribution; the group traces its operating origins to this year.
- **1985** — Specialized in video game distribution under Guillemot International Software.
- **1986** — Co-founded Ubisoft with Michel, Yves, Gérard and Christian Guillemot.
- **1997** — Began serving as chairman of Guillemot Corporation’s board; also led the company as CEO.
- **1998** — Guillemot Corporation became stock-market listed.
- **1999** — Guillemot Corporation acquired Thrustmaster’s Peripherals and Accessories division.
- **2009** — Began leading Passeport Armorique; also chaired Le Club des Trente for a period.
- **2025-07** — Remained chairman when Valentin Guillemot became CEO on July 1.
- **2026-05** — Presided over Passeport Armorique’s 34th ceremony on May 27.
- **2026-06** — Died on June 19; Christian Guillemot succeeded him as chairman on June 23.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Ubisoft in 1986.
- Led Guillemot Corporation’s development as an international interactive entertainment hardware business.
- Headed Passeport Armorique from 2009, supporting student entrepreneurship through mentoring.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Guillemot Corporation’s interim results reiterated the succession arrangements following his death: Christian as chairman, Valentin as CEO and Victoria joining the board.
- **2026-06** — The company announced his death on June 19 and appointed Christian Guillemot chairman effective June 23.
- **2026-05** — He presided over Passeport Armorique’s 34th ceremony on May 27 at Village by CA.
- **2025-07** — Valentin Guillemot succeeded him as CEO; Claude continued as chairman.

## Links

- Website: https://www.guillemot.com/en/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/claude-guillemot
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-26