Ubisoft has announced a new leadership team for its , signaling a strategic shift for the iconic Assassin’s Creed franchise. The appointments, made through Vantage Studios – a Ubisoft subsidiary – place seasoned veterans at the helm, responsible for the brand’s long-term vision, creative direction and production excellence.
The move comes after a period of change for the series, including legal ramifications stemming from a prior leadership departure. However, Ubisoft leadership has expressed confidence in the future of Assassin’s Creed following its integration into Vantage Studios, which is also preparing new titles for both single-player and multiplayer experiences.
New Leadership Roles Defined
Martin Schelling has been named Head of the Assassin’s Creed Brand, assuming overall strategic responsibility. Schelling brings extensive experience to the role, having served as a producer on several key titles in the franchise, including Assassin’s Creed Revelations, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed: Origins, and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla. Prior to this appointment, he held the position of Ubisoft’s Chief Production Officer, where he focused on redefining development workflows across the company’s entire portfolio.
Jean Guesdon will serve as Head of Content for the brand. Guesdon’s role centers on the creative direction of Assassin’s Creed, supporting individual game projects, and ensuring the franchise remains true to its core identity while evolving. He is a long-time Ubisoft designer, with credits dating back to the original Assassin’s Creed released in . He is best known for his work as Creative Director on both Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
Completing the core leadership team is François de Billy, appointed as Head of Production Excellence. De Billy’s focus will be on strengthening production practices and streamlining execution across all Assassin’s Creed projects. He has been involved with the series since its inception, contributing to titles like Assassin’s Creed Revelations and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. More recently, he served as Production Director on Assassin’s Creed: Origins and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, earning internal recognition for his ability to optimize complex production workflows.
Collaboration and Continued Growth
Ubisoft emphasized the collaborative history of Schelling, Guesdon, and de Billy, noting their extensive work together on flagship Assassin’s Creed games across creative, production, and brand strategy. This pre-existing working relationship is intended to foster a cohesive and efficient approach to the franchise’s future development.
In addition to these three key appointments, Ubisoft announced that Andrée-Anne Boisvert will serve as the producer for cross-brand initiatives and Head of Technological Excellence, and Lionel Hiller will be the VP of Brand and Go-to-Market Strategy. These roles will support the core leadership team in expanding the reach and impact of the Assassin’s Creed brand.
Implications for the Future of Assassin’s Creed
The appointment of these veteran leaders suggests a renewed focus on the core strengths of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The individuals chosen have all been deeply involved in some of the most critically and commercially successful titles in the series’ history. This suggests Ubisoft is prioritizing experience and a deep understanding of the brand’s DNA as it moves forward.
The creation of Vantage Studios and the subsequent leadership changes also indicate a potential restructuring within Ubisoft, designed to provide greater focus and agility to its key franchises. The studio’s mandate to develop games for both single-player and multiplayer audiences suggests a willingness to explore new avenues for the Assassin’s Creed universe, potentially expanding its reach beyond its traditional fanbase.
While Ubisoft has not detailed specific plans for future Assassin’s Creed titles, the appointment of this leadership team signals a commitment to long-term investment in the franchise and a desire to build upon its established legacy. The emphasis on production excellence also suggests a focus on delivering high-quality experiences that meet the expectations of a dedicated and demanding player base.
