Amid a broader slowdown in tech hiring, demand for senior technology leaders in India is rising sharply as companies accelerate AI adoption. Executive search firms report a growing number of mandates from both multinational corporations and domestic firms looking to fill leadership roles based in India.
Organisations across sectors such as financial services, aerospace, aviation, consumer goods, retail, and pharmaceuticals are actively hiring senior professionals to lead AI, digital transformation, and data initiatives. Several global companies are also shifting high-level tech roles to India, particularly within Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
According to Ratna Gupta of ABC Consultants, there has been around a 20% increase in hiring mandates at director, vice-president, and senior levels over the last 2-3 quarters. “Quite a few country heads for GCCs are also coming in,” she said.
Key roles in demand include GCC heads, chief technology, digital and AI officers, vice presidents of engineering, data and product, as well as heads of AI/ML, cybersecurity, cloud, and digital transformation.
Compensation for these roles ranges from Rs 1 crore to over Rs 5 crore annually. Prasad Medury from Odgers India noted a clear rise in both hiring volume and pay over the last 12 months. He added that sectors like automotive, mining, and transportation are increasingly becoming technology-driven.
The scope of leadership roles is also expanding. Experts say positions like chief risk officer now include responsibility for technology and cyber risks alongside traditional duties.
Rituparna Chakraborty from True Search highlighted that leadership hiring across industries has increased by 10-12% year-on-year, while demand for tech and digital leaders has surged by over 70%. India currently hosts over 1,800 GCCs employing nearly 2 million professionals, with more than 6,500 global leadership roles already based in the country.
Monica Agrawal of Sheffield Haworth India said companies across BFSI, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and logistics are investing heavily in senior tech talent. “AI is at the front and centre of the business strategy now and, therefore, the need for top tier talent,” she added.
Recent leadership appointments include Ravin Pangal, Vishal Bhatia, Pramod Adiddam, and Kallol Basu.
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