Head of France

Location: Paris, France (with regular travel to project sites) Employment: Full-time, Permanent

Overview We’re partnering with a rapidly expanding AI infrastructure business developing large-scale AI campuses across Europe and the US. With a substantial pipeline of projects spanning energy infrastructure, industrial development and high-performance computing, the business is entering a significant phase of international expansion. We’re looking for an exceptional Head of France to lead its French operations, establish strategic relationships at the highest levels of government and industry, and turn ambitious infrastructure plans into operational campuses. This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone with an established reputation in French energy, infrastructure, DC development or public affairs.

The Opportunity • Country leadership: Take ownership of the French business, shaping its strategy, partnerships and development. • Major infrastructure investment: Lead the development of large-scale AI campuses requiring significant power capacity and industrial investment. • Government influence: Work directly with senior government officials, ministries, regulators and regional authorities. • Executive exposure: Report directly to the CEO and play a central role in the company’s European expansion. • Build from the ground up: Establish and lead a French team covering energy, public affairs, permitting and strategic partnerships. • Long-term upside: Join a fast-growing international business with a competitive executive package, including equity.

The Role You’ll be responsible for establishing the business as a credible and trusted infrastructure partner across France. Combining strategic leadership with hands-on execution, you’ll secure the government relationships, energy agreements, development opportunities and local partnerships required to deliver major AI infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities • Develop and maintain relationships with senior French government officials, ministries and public investment agencies. • Lead engagement with RTE, distribution network operators and energy producers to secure grid connections and long-term power arrangements. • Identify and secure suitable locations for large-scale AI campuses. • Oversee permitting, regulatory engagement and negotiations with regional and municipal authorities. • Establish strategic partnerships with industrial landowners, infrastructure providers and energy companies. • Represent the business with institutional investors, major customers and strategic partners. • Recruit and lead the French leadership team across energy, development and public affairs. • Ensure projects deliver meaningful regional benefits, including employment, training and sustainable energy initiatives.

Skills & Experience Essential • Significant senior leadership experience within French energy, infrastructure, DC development or government. • An established network across senior French government, regional authorities and industry. • Demonstrable experience delivering major industrial, energy or infrastructure projects in France. • Strong understanding of French energy infrastructure, regulatory processes and strategic investment. • Experience negotiating complex agreements involving public and private stakeholders. • Commercial credibility with investors, infrastructure developers and major industrial organisations. • Fluent French and English.

Nice to Have • Previous C-suite leadership within a major French energy or infrastructure organisation. • Experience as a senior government official, ministerial adviser or chief of staff. • Direct involvement in large-scale power procurement, grid connections or DC development. • Experience establishing new business operations or leading major international expansion initiatives.

Interested? This is an opportunity to take a leading role in one of Europe’s fastest-growing infrastructure sectors, combining industrial development, energy strategy and AI. If you have the relationships, experience and ambition to lead major infrastructure development across France, apply directly or get in touch for a confidential discussion.