Matching Scaling Ambitions in the South of France: Building International Growth for a Provence Wine House
Success Story A Glance:
The company needed a mature, hands-on leader capable of thriving in a demanding, fast-evolving culture, with deep expertise and a strong network in the wine industry. Someone ready not only to sell, but to build.
Extensive international mapping, a strong Wine & Beverages network, and the ability to identify a true cultural fit between the company and the candidate at a key scaling-up momentum.
The Challenge
A fast-growing Provence rosé producer was entering a decisive phase: doubling revenue while expanding internationally. To support this ambition, the company needed an International Sales Director who could structure global distribution and join the executive committee as a true strategic partner to the CEO.
The future leader had to:
• Bring a strong international distributor network in wines & spirits (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Northern Europe)
• Relocate to Provence and integrate into a scaling mid-sized organization
• Connect with the high ambitions of the company, helping it accelerate growth and shape the transformation
The Approach
Unlike other searches where adjacent industries can offer transferable value, here sector expertise was non-negotiable. We mapped leading exporting wine houses and champagne groups, proactively approaching international sales directors while activating our specialized wines & spirits network.
François T., then International Sales Director at a major Bordeaux wine group, stood out. With executive committee experience, premium portfolio exposure, and proven international deal-making—from airline partnerships to global e-commerce platforms—he had the credibility. More importantly, he was at a professional crossroads, seeking renewed momentum and broader impact.
The Click
The turning point was not a single meeting, but a shared realization. As François T. explored the company’s vision, he recognized something deeply aligned with his own ambition: the desire to build, not simply manage.
This was not about maintaining an established structure. It was about accelerating growth, shaping strategy, and leaving a visible imprint. Provence ceased to be a geographical question and became a territory of opportunity. He chose to step into the challenge, professionally and personally, embracing a move that mirrored the company’s own leap forward.
The Impact
One year into the role, François T. has positioned himself as a true number two within the executive committee. He has strengthened international distribution, contributed actively to marketing and portfolio strategy, and become a driving force behind growth acceleration.
For the company, the hire reinforced its scaling ambition with senior leadership depth. For François, the move unlocked a new dimension of leadership: more entrepreneurial, strategic and influential. What began as a recruitment mission evolved into a shared growth story, aligning business expansion with personal reinvention.
We engaged United Search to recruit our Director of International Sales. Marie and her team demonstrated a high level of professionalism and acted as true HR partners throughout the process. They quickly grasped the company culture and identified the skills needed to ensure the long-term success of this assignment. The fact that Marie has solid experience and a good understanding of our industry was also a real asset. It was a pleasure working with them, and I highly recommend them to any company looking for a tailored, human-centric and highly committed recruitment approach.
Managing Director - Maison Saint-Aix, Aix-en-Provence