Yves Guillemot’s Son and Christophe Derennes Appointed Co-CEOs of Tencent’s New Ubisoft Subsidiary

Ubisoft Unveils New Co-CEOs for Tencent Subsidiary

Ubisoft has officially appointed Charlie Guillemot and Christophe Derennes as co-chief executive officers for its newly established subsidiary, which will operate in partnership with Tencent. This strategic move marks a significant advancement in Ubisoft’s corporate structure as the company seeks to optimize its operations and leverage its prominent intellectual properties (IPs).

Background on the New Subsidiary

Earlier this year, specifically in March, Ubisoft announced plans to create a subsidiary that would be partially owned by Tencent. This new entity is tasked with managing some of Ubisoft’s most valued franchises, such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. Although initial insights regarding the subsidiary’s hierarchy and operational structure have emerged, detailed information has been limited.

Leadership Insights

Christophe Derennes, who steps into this pivotal role, previously led Ubisoft’s North American studios, a position he acquired earlier in 2023. His extensive experience includes a tenure as the general manager of Ubisoft Montreal since 2020, a branch he co-founded in 1997, showcasing his deep-rooted connection with the company.

On the other hand, Charlie Guillemot possesses a unique background, having been immersed in the company since childhood. He officially joined Ubisoft after completing his master’s degree in computer science in 2014 and took charge of Owlient, a studio focused on mobile gaming that Ubisoft acquired. Under his leadership, Owlient released Tom Clancy’s Elite Squad in 2020, which faced controversy due to its provocative launch video, leading to an apology from Ubisoft.

Controversies and Challenges

Following a period of criticism in 2021 regarding his rise to leadership at Owlient—which was perceived by some as nepotism—Charlie Guillemot pursued external opportunities to gain further industry experience. He co-founded Unagi, a studio specializing in Web3 and AI technologies, where he still serves as CEO. His most recent transition within Ubisoft has involved taking the helm of its transformation committee.

Commitment to Change

In a recent interview with Variety, Charlie addressed concerns regarding his familial connection to Yves Guillemot, stating, “What matters now isn’t my name, it’s the work ahead.”He emphasized his intent to foster a collaborative and innovative work environment at Ubisoft. He articulated that trust must be earned and expressed a strong commitment to the company’s future.

A Vision for Success

In discussing the choice of leaders, Yves Guillemot highlighted the complementary strengths of Charlie and Christophe. He noted, “Christophe brings deep production expertise and hands-on leadership experience in Canada, ”while recognizing Charlie’s entrepreneurial perspective and understanding of industry dynamics. This collaboration is expected to drive Ubisoft’s next milestone successfully.

Conclusion

As Ubisoft navigates this transformative phase, the leadership skills and diverse experiences of Charlie Guillemot and Christophe Derennes position them to effectively steer the company into a new era. Their commitment to creativity and innovation will be vital in meeting the evolving expectations of players worldwide.

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