Born in 1968, François Provost graduated from the École polytechnique and École des mines de Paris in France.

He started his career as senior civil servant in the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, Treasury Department. He then became Advisor to the French Minister of Defense.

He joined Renault in 2002 in the Sales & Marketing Division in France as branch General Manager, then regional Sales Director. In 2005, he took the position of Managing Director of Renault-Nissan Portugal. From 2008 to 2010, he served as Vice-President, Strategy and planning, within the Sales and Marketing department. He was then appointed Chief Operating Officer of Renault Russia.

In September 2011, he became CEO of Renault Samsung Motors.

In 2016, François Provost became Senior Vice President, China Operations.

In January 2017, François Provost was appointed Chairman of Asia-Pacific region while remaining Senior Vice President, China Operations .

In April , 2019, François Provost becomes SVP, Chairman of China Region, Groupe Renault. He also sits on the Board of Directors of e-GT NEV.

In October 2020,  Francois Provost is appointed SVP, International Development & Partnerships, Renault Group. He reports to Luca de Meo, Renault Group CEO. François Provost is member of Renault Group Corporate Management Committee.

On January 1, 2022, he also takes charge of Renault Group Public affairs Department.

On February 1, 2023, he is appointed Chief Purchasing, Partnerships and Public Affairs Officer and APO Managing Director. He becomes a member of the Leadership Team, which replaces the Board of Management (BOM) and the Corporate Management Committee (CMC). 

On October 9, 2023, he is appointed Chief Procurement, Partnerships & Public Affairs Officer, Renault Group.