The "A-Team" Returns: Assassin’s Creed’s New Leadership Vision
Ubisoft (and its newly restructured Vantage Studios) just dropped a major update on who will be steering the Animus into the future. By reuniting the core minds behind some of the franchise's most beloved entries—like Black Flag and Origins—this "Dream Team" signals a clear return to the series' roots and DNA.
Here is the breakdown of the new leadership team announced on February 23, 2026:
The Leadership Trio
| Name | Role | Pedigree |
| Martin Schelling | Head of Brand | Veteran Producer for Black Flag, Origins, and Valhalla. He will drive the overall strategy and long-term vision. |
| Jean Guesdon | Head of Content | The "Mastermind" behind Black Flag and Origins. He returns to lead creative direction and ensure the series stays true to its core DNA. |
| François De Billy | Head of Production Excellence | Former Production Director for Origins and Valhalla. His focus is on strengthening production practices and execution across all titles. |
The Supporting Core
This trio will collaborate closely with the existing executive team to unify the franchise’s technological and market presence:
- Andrée-Anne Boisvert: Head of Technological Excellence & Cross-brand Initiatives.
- Lionel Hiller: VP of Brand and Go-to-Market Strategy.
Why This Matters for Fans
The appointment of this specific group is a strategic "homecoming" for the franchise. After the departure of longtime boss Marc-Alexis Côté in late 2025, Ubisoft is pivoting toward leaders who built the "modern classic" era of the series.
- Creative Consistency: With Jean Guesdon back at the helm of content, there is a strong expectation of a shift back toward deep lore, historical immersion, and the foundational "Assassins vs. Templars" conflict.
- Production Stability: François De Billy’s role specifically targets "Production Excellence," suggesting Ubisoft is prioritizing more polished launches and more efficient development cycles for the "several" AC titles currently in the works.
- A "Homecoming" Vibe: Jean Guesdon’s personal message about "coming home" resonates with a community that has felt the franchise was drifting in too many directions recently.
"Assassin’s Creed has been a defining part of my professional life and being back feels like coming home... I look forward to sharing more about the next steps ahead." — Jean Guesdon