For an international brand entering the US, building the leadership team is where the venture succeeds or stalls. Here is how to sequence it — starting with the hire that sets the trajectory.
Start with the leader who owns the market
The first and most important hire is the leader who will own the US business — a General Manager, US CEO, or commercial lead with the authority and local knowledge to build the market. Because everything else is built around this person, the first hire deserves disproportionate care; get it right and the team builds on a sound foundation.
Sequence, don't stampede
The temptation on entering a large market is to hire quickly and broadly. It is usually a mistake. A stronger approach is to make the first leadership hire, then let that leader help shape and sequence the team — typically commercial and sales leadership to build the channel, marketing to establish the brand locally, and operational and finance capability to support growth, in the order the business actually needs them.
Local knowledge and brand alignment
US roles call for leaders who bring genuine market knowledge, networks, and credibility with American retailers and consumers — paired with real alignment to the brand and its standards. The strongest early teams combine locally credible operators with a clear line back to the brand's identity, so the US business grows without drifting from what the brand is.
How the search works
Building a team in a new market rewards a partner who knows the local talent landscape. A retained search maps the market, calibrates compensation to US norms, and assesses leaders against the specific challenge of building from a standing start — starting with the leader who sets the trajectory.
Building your US leadership team?
We help international brands build their US team, starting with the hire that sets the trajectory.
Explore US Market Entry Search →Frequently asked questions
What is the first hire when building a US team?
The leader who will own the US business — a General Manager, US CEO, or commercial lead with the authority and local knowledge to build the market. Everything else is sequenced around them.
Should you hire a full US team quickly?
Usually not — a strong first leader who then helps shape and sequence the team is worth more than a full org chart filled in a hurry. Build in the order the business actually needs.
Related: Executive Search for US Market Entry · US Search for UK Brands · US Search for Australian Brands
