It’s clear as a day that Ubisoft isy a family affair. Yves Guillemot, who founded and managed the company since its creation in 1986, has decided to appoint his son to head the new division.
After leaving Ubisoft in 2021, Charlie Guillemot returned to the company last May, something that was not necessarily viewed favorably by some employees. However, he has now been appointed co-CEO of the Tencent-funded subsidiary. The subsidiary brings together the Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six licenses under a single umbrella.
Charlie Guillemot will be supported by Christophe Derennes, who has also been appointed co-CEO. He spent 35 years at Ubisoft. During this time, he led the Montreal-based studios and served as General Manager for North America. Together, they will "define the strategy and vision" of the brands grouped within the subsidiary and "create the conditions necessary for the teams to operate at the highest level".
In an interview with Variety, Charlie Guillemot was asked about any favoritism he may have got from his father to get his new position.
"I’d like to address this question directly, if I may. I completely understand where it comes from, and I want to be clear about it. Yes, I’m Yves’ son. That’s not something I hide from. But my appointment isn’t only about family ties; it’s about what Ubisoft needs at this moment."
"I’ve spent the last decade building experience both inside and outside Ubisoft, leading teams, managing brands, and navigating change in a fast-moving industry. I also made the conscious choice to step away when it made sense, to learn and grow elsewhere."
"What matters now isn’t my name, it’s the work ahead. Ubisoft is at a pivotal moment. What’s expected of me is to help push the company forward by bringing energy, focus, and by relying on the incredible expertise that already exists across the teams. I see myself as someone here to contribute, support, and help create the right conditions are in place for everyone to do their best work."
