In Search of a Rare Hybrid for a Luxury Maison in Paris: Between Engineering, Craftsmanship and Strategic Leadership

The role required a rare left-and-right-brain hybrid: an engineer capable of building robust processes, remaining deeply sensitive to design, while being the leader who would bridge industrial sites and headquarters, handling both technical complexity and corporate dynamics with equal ease.

An original perspective on candidates sourcing and supporting and coaching the ideal candidate all along the process, to help him take the leap.

In 2019, during a phase of rapid growth, the Maison needed a Director of New Product Development for its leather goods division in Paris. In this fast-paced environment, the future leader would carry four key missions:

Improve and structure the new product development process, igniting smarter ways of working

Quickly grasp the unique savoir-faire of the maroquinerie métier

Navigate seamlessly between headquarters and local ateliers

And, cherry on top, demonstrate a genuine sensitivity to beauty, essential in luxury

Rather than limiting the search to luxury backgrounds, we explored environments where industrial excellence and fast product cycles coexist. This led us to a leading sports retail brand, where we identified Gabriel T., an engineer with 15 years of experience spanning production, sourcing strategy, and product development leadership, across markets as diverse as Mexico and Egypt.

The success of the search came from looking beyond sector boundaries and supporting both sides through the process. We helped the client recognize the strength of transferable potential, while coaching Gabriel T. through a major career decision, one that meant leaving a company he had grown up in, relocating to Paris, and stepping into the demanding world of luxury.

When Gabriel T. was approached for another opportunity in the luxury sector, something shifted. He realized that the time for change had come and that his profile held real value beyond the sports industry.

He reached back out to United Search to revisit the position we had discussed weeks earlier. When he met his future manager, the connection was immediate. His industrial rigor, process expertise, international exposure, and strong leadership were recognized, but so was his human depth. And Gabriel T. felt that, even though he was new to leather goods, his adaptability and learning capacity had finally found their best canvas.

This move marked the beginning of a defining chapter in Gabriel’s career, one that his new company has actively supported. Over the years, he has continued to grow within the organization and is now Director of Women’s Leather Goods Development, leading larger teams and positioned for further progression.