Ubisoft appoints seasoned veterans from the series to lead the new Assassin's Creed team

Tencent-backed Vantage Studios, a part of Ubisoft that manages notable series like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six, has revealed the leadership for its Assassin's Creed franchise.

Martin Schelling is now the Head of Assassin's Creed Brand, charged with steering the overarching strategy and future objectives of the franchise. His background includes 17 years at Ubisoft Montreal, contributing to titles such as Assassin's Creed Revelations, Black Flag, Origins, and Valhalla, and he most recently held the position of Chief Production Officer at Ubisoft.

Jean Guesdon, who has had a significant 17-year tenure that included his role as Creative Director on Assassin's Creed Origins and Black Flag, has been appointed the Head of Content. His recent roles involved working at Behaviour Interactive and within Ubisoft Montreal’s internal communications sector. He will oversee the creative trajectory of the brand, aid individual game projects, and maintain the series' foundational elements.

François de Billy has taken the role of Head of Production Excellence. With extensive experience as a Production Director on several Assassin's Creed games such as Valhalla, Origins, and Black Flag, he is known for enhancing production efficiency and reducing complexities. His responsibility will include bolstering the production methodologies across the brand.

Ubisoft’s website has highlighted these three leaders as key figures for the future development, innovation, and expansion of the Assassin’s Creed brand. Schelling, Guesdon, and de Billy have collaborated on numerous major installments of Assassin’s Creed, covering creative, production, and strategic elements. They are now transitioning into their roles to join the leadership team, which includes Andrée-Anne Boisvert, responsible for cross-brand projects and technology leadership, and Lionel Hiller, head of brand and market strategy. Together, they aim to guide the franchise into its next significant phase.

This announcement is part of Ubisoft’s broader restructuring into Creative Houses, a move accompanied by extensive layoffs and studio closures as the company aims to achieve substantial cost improvements.