Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of the global gaming giant Ubisoft, has died in a plane crash in western France, authorities confirmed on Saturday. Mr Guillemot was aboard a twin-motor Cessna 421 that crashed Friday evening near La Baule airport on the Atlantic coast.

The aircraft was also carrying a flight instructor; both individuals were licensed and experienced pilots and were killed in the incident, Mayor Franck Louvrier stated. An investigation into the crash is now underway. An airport official, speaking anonymously, told The Associated Press the plane came down in a field just before landing at La Baule-Escoublac Airport.

“Ubisoft ‌was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group and chairman ​of Guillemot Corp, in an accident,” the company said in a ​statement.

“Our thoughts are with his family ⁠and loved ones during this difficult time. No ​further statements will be made at this time.” ​they added. They declined to further comment.

Ubisoft was founded by Guillemot with his four brothers in 1986.

He was pivotal in transforming Ubisoft from a mail-order software business into one of the world’s largest video game companies. He also chaired the family’s hardware arm, Guillemot Corporation.

Working largely behind the scenes, he served as the operational backbone of the family’s broader entertainment business, while his brother Yves became the public face of the gaming giant as its long-serving CEO.

The firm is renowned for its highly successful blockbuster gaming franchises, which include Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Rayman and Tom Clancy.