Brignole Sale had three brothers, Gian Giacomo, Giuseppe and Rodolfo Emilio, the last of whom also served as doge.

Brignole Sale was elected Doge in 1746, during his mandate the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle brought the borders of the Republic back to the status quo and the Marquisate of Finale recovered.

In his two years as doge Brignole Sale protected the state from nothing less than a European war, a military invasion, a maritime blockade and a popular revolt, deserving the praises that were then recognized.

At the end of the two-year period of his Dogate, Brignole was appointed "perpetual procurator" and "superintendent of the strongholds" and, when he did not participate in the government of the State, he took care of administering his lands in Groppoli, challenging the Grand Duchy of Tuscany that had officially divested it.

Brignole Sale died on February 14, 1760, in Palazzo Rosso, Genoa.