Ubisoft’s new subsidiary that was created earlier this year now has some of its leadership in place. According to Variety, Charlie Guillemot will be taking up the position of co-CEO alongside Christophe Derennes. In an interview with the publication, Guillemot acknowledged that while he is indeed the son of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot, his appointment as co-CEO of the subsidiary wasn’t a case of nepotism.
In the interview, Guillemot spoke about his experience working at Ubisoft as well as other companies where he has led teams and managed brands successfully. “Yes, I’m Yves’ son,” he explained. “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.”
Guillemot went on to speak about some of the plans for the future of Ubisoft as a whole. With the subsidiary being focused on single-player story-based games as well as live-service multiplayer titles and even mobile games, Guillemot noted that he has his work cut out for him when it comes to growing the new company.
“What matters now isn’t my name, it’s the work ahead,” Guillemot added. “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.”
“And beyond that, this industry is where I want to be. There’s nowhere quite like it, where creativity, talent, and technology intersect in such dynamic ways, and where you constantly have to adapt to new platforms, new ideas, new expectations from players. That’s what draws me in.”
The subsidiary was founded as part of a €1.16 billion between Ubisoft and Tencent, and was officially announced all the way back in March. The fact that it would be focusing on single-player and live-service multiplayer games was revealed in its earnings report from May. As part of the deal between Ubisoft and Tencent, the former will maintain ownership of its major IP, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six, while Tencent will own a 25 percent minority interest in the subsidiary.
“With this transaction, Tencent will invest €1.16bn in a primary issuance by the New Subsidiary, acquiring an approximate 25% economic interest,” explained the company during its earnings report in May. “At closing, at least €500m will be upstreamed to Ubisoft, ensuring sufficient working capital needs of the New Subsidiary at start.”
As for the subsidiary itself, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot had said that it was created to allow the whole company to remain agile while also having high ambitions. He also spoke about wanting to grow its bigger brands while also creating new IPs.
