Agent Provocateur chairman Kim Winser is in talks with potential franchise partners in Japan and South America to accelerate the lingerie retailer’s international expansion.

Winser, who previously ran luxury retailer Aquascutum, began advising the retailer in March, after being appointed in December as an adviser by its owner, private equity firm 3i.

Agent Provocateur chief executive Garry Hogarth said: “Kim has a lot of international experience and is sourcing partners in countries where it is more difficult to work.”

Agent Provocateur, which has 47 stores and concessions worldwide, plans to open 10 stores within the next year.