Ubisoft CEO Defends Nepotism Amid Workforce Cuts

Guillemot touts "disciplined workforce management" as company restructures and cancels games.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has confirmed the company is making new Assassin's Creed and Far Cry games, while also tackling accusations of nepotism. Guillemot defended the appointment of his son, Charlie Guillemot, as co-CEO of the Vantage Studios creative house that will oversee major Ubisoft franchises. The CEO claimed the move was based on Charlie's skills and experience, despite his lack of direct credits on those "billionaire brands." Ubisoft is also undergoing a restructuring that will include €200 million in cost reductions and potential layoffs, which Guillemot described as "disciplined workforce management."

Why it matters

Ubisoft's restructuring and nepotism allegations raise questions about the company's long-term strategy and ability to retain talent. The appointment of Yves Guillemot's son to a key leadership role despite limited relevant experience fuels concerns about the company's governance and commitment to meritocracy. As Ubisoft seeks to streamline operations, there are doubts about whether it can maintain creative autonomy and quality across its major franchises.

The details

Ubisoft plans to make new Assassin's Creed and Far Cry games as part of its transformation into a set of "creative houses" grouped around particular game genres and franchises. The company is also working on unannounced original projects. However, Ubisoft has already canceled several games and closed two studios as part of a €200 million cost reduction effort. Guillemot said this will involve "selective restructuring" and "disciplined workforce management," likely meaning layoffs. The CEO defended the appointment of his son Charlie as co-CEO of the Vantage Studios creative house, which will oversee major Ubisoft franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. Charlie Guillemot has limited experience on those "billionaire brands," raising nepotism concerns.

  • Ubisoft announced the €200 million in additional cost reductions.
  • Around 1,200 French Ubisoft workers went on strike earlier this month in response to the company's changes of direction and a return-to-office policy.

The players

Yves Guillemot

The CEO of Ubisoft, who defended the appointment of his son Charlie as co-CEO of the Vantage Studios creative house.

Charlie Guillemot

Yves Guillemot's son, who was appointed as co-CEO of Ubisoft's Vantage Studios despite limited experience on the company's major franchises.

Christophe Derennes

The other co-CEO of Vantage Studios, who has more relevant experience as the former general manager of Ubisoft Montréal, developers of the original Assassin's Creed, Far Cry 2, and several Rainbow Six games.

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What they’re saying

“As we announced, the €200 million in additional cost reductions will include selective restructuring across the company. That said, our primary focus for aligning the organization with our long-term goals remains disciplined workforce management, meaning prioritizing voluntary departures while carefully controlling recruitment for replacements and new roles.”

— Yves Guillemot, CEO, Ubisoft (Variety)

“I strongly believe that Christophe Derennes and Charlie are the right leaders as Co-CEOs of Vantage Studios. They bring complementary strengths and experience that make them well-suited for the role. Their appointment was based on their skills, track record, and fit for the role.”

— Yves Guillemot, CEO, Ubisoft (Variety)

What’s next

Ubisoft's shareholders will likely continue to scrutinize the company's governance and restructuring efforts, especially the appointment of Yves Guillemot's son to a key leadership role.

The takeaway

Ubisoft's efforts to streamline operations and decentralize decision-making are being undermined by the appearance of nepotism, raising doubts about the company's commitment to meritocracy and long-term sustainability. As the industry faces economic headwinds, Ubisoft must demonstrate it can make tough decisions while preserving its creative talent and core franchises.