AI leadership roles up 40-60% in FY25 as talent demand soars
#Operation Sindoor
The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam
Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities
Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare
The demand has been driven by companies in IT and consulting, global capability centres, financial services and healthcare firms, and startups across fintech, heathtech and ecommerce, which are setting up dedicated AI business units and teams, experts said. It is also coming from deeptech and generative AI-focused startups and from multinationals building AI development centres in India.
The roles in demand include chief AI officer, head of AI/ML, vice-president – AI engineering, VP – AI strategy/innovation, VP – machine learning or GenAI, director – applied AI or innovation, director – GenAI applications, director - data science, AI product head and AI solutions architect.
A significant jump in hiring in this space was seen in the last two-three quarters, staffing firms said. Accenture,
LTIMindtree
, IBM, Deloitte and
Wipro
are among top companies that are hiring for such positions, as per staffing services firm Ciel HR.
'This spike correlates with the shift from pilot AI initiatives to scaled enterprise adoption,' said Krishna Vij, vice president at Teamlease Digital. 'Industry has realised that AI is now a boardroom priority for their clients and are positioning AI leadership talent to drive consulting-led engagements, co-create industry-specific AI solutions, and directly influence business outcome.'
Companies are increasingly tying compensation to business impact, and top talent in this space is seeing faster progression into CXO or other management positions, she said.
Discover the stories of your interest
Blockchain
5 Stories
Cyber-safety
7 Stories
Fintech
9 Stories
E-comm
9 Stories
ML
8 Stories
Edtech
6 Stories
'India is a strategic hub for Accenture's global AI innovation powered by exceptional data and AI talent. We nurture expertise across the AI value chain and career levels," Accenture told ET.
LTIMindtree, which in March appointed Nachiket Deshpande to the newly created position of president - global AI services, strategic deals and partnerships, said while announcing the appointment: "This strategic appointment demonstrates our commitment to being a proactive, agile organisation, capitalising on fast-emerging trends and reinforcing our position as an industry leader."
Demand for AI leadership talent is expected to see double-digit growth in FY26 and beyond owing to the rising strategic significance of the technology, experts said.
Seasoned leaders in demand
The launch of enterprise-ready GenAI pilots, combined with emerging AI regulation frameworks that emphasise ethical leadership, has accelerated the urgency for capable hands at the top, said Kapil Joshi, chief executive of Quess IT Staffing.
'Organisations are no longer experimenting—they are scaling. And that shift requires seasoned AI leaders who can steer strategy, governance, and innovation in unison.'
Chief AI officers are offered ₹1.2-2.5 crore annually, while heads of AI/ML typically earn ₹80 lakh to ₹1.5 crore, as per Quess data. Among others, the salary package for VPs - GenAI/ML ranges from ₹70 lakh to ₹1.2 crore range, while directors - AI innovation typically earn ₹80 lakh to ₹1 crore.
Salary growth is projected to continue at 15–20% annually, especially in roles linked to responsible AI frameworks and GenAI innovations, as per Quess.
Professionals with hands-on experience in deploying GenAI, LLMs, or enterprise-scale AI frameworks as well as domain depth are highly sought after, experts said.
Yet, talent scarcity, domain-specific expertise, and retention of top leaders remain key challenges for employers, said Aditya Narayan Mishra, managing director and CEO, Ciel HR.
'With demand outpacing supply, organisations are paying a premium for younger AI leaders,' he added.
For instance, in some cases, Ciel sees the Head-AI role commanding the highest entry-level salary at ₹36 lakh for four years of experience, reflecting the premium companies place on AI capabilities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘Balancing strengths-sensitivities': India secures safeguards for key sectors in UK FTA; import access to be phased
Representative image (TOI) Only around one fourth of the UK's exports by value will receive immediate duty-free access to the Indian market, with most sensitive sectors remaining safeguarded, the government said on Friday, according to ET. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal, addressing the media, explained that product-specific rules of origin have been established. These include value-addition requirements designed to prevent transshipment and block third-country goods from benefiting under the deal. India has protected several sensitive sectors under the trade deal, including dairy, cereals, millets, pulses, vegetables, and high-value products such as gold, jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, and certain essential oils. Key exclusions also cover critical energy fuels, marine vessels, used clothing, important polymers and their monofilaments, smartphones, and optical fibres, reported ET. For strategically important goods, especially those where domestic manufacturing is being strengthened under the 'Make in India' and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, tariff concessions will be phased in gradually over five, seven, or ten years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Historic Figures Who Were Actually Photographed Gloriousa Undo India and the UK signed the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) on July 24, following years of discussions and negotiations. Barthwal noted that this agreement stands apart from India's previous free trade deals, as it reflects the country's evolution into a more mature economy. He added that India is now engaging in areas previously untouched in past trade agreements, marking its shift toward developed nation status. Working between strengths and sensitivities The agreement strikes a balance between "sensitivities and strengths," the official said, reported ET. 'We wanted to shed the label of 'tariff king,' and FTAs are a way to achieve that,' said commerce secretary Barthwal. 'FTAs bring a lot of certainty and predictability to businesses which this UK FTA will ensure. FTAs are give and take and when we build a narrative, we are sensitive that it's not one-sided.' Barthwal also mentioned past comments by US President Donald Trump, who had called India a "tariff king," and referenced ongoing negotiations with both the US and the European Union, as quoted by ET. 'Detailed talks are happening in the EU FTA. Talks with the US are going on, it will fructify,' he said. Barthwal said the India-UK partnership is rooted in fair play, equity, and mutual benefit. 'We protected our sensitivities and they protected theirs. This FTA has been a balance of sensitivities and strengths,' he stated. Calling it a complex and comprehensive agreement, Barthwal added, 'our defensive interests have been taken care of.' He noted that while the UK may take under a year to ratify the CETA, India will use that time to build the capacity of its exporters and educate them on how to leverage the deal. The government is also working with state governments and export promotion councils to assess how they will be affected. 'We are doing granular studies,' he said. India and the UK have agreed to negotiate mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) to facilitate the movement of professionals such as nurses, accountants and architects to Britain. 'Non-tariff barriers will be eased, and regulatory systems and MRAs would be improved,' Barthwal said, reported ET. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
India-UK trade deal: These states and sectors may benefit most from tariff cuts; full list here
Representative image (ANI) As India and the United Kingdom ink the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA), several states are poised to reap substantial economic benefits, according to ET. The deal eliminates tariffs and eases market access, unlocking new export opportunities across key sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, marine products, and handicrafts. The following outlines the key economic gains projected for major states under the India–UK trade deal, highlighting sectors likely to experience substantial export growth driven by tariff reductions and enhanced access to the UK market, as reported by ET. Maharashtra Key Benefiting Sectors: Engineering goods, Pharmaceuticals, Apparel Nature of Expected Benefit: Higher exports of auto components, generic medicines, and garments from hubs like Pune, Mumbai, & Ichalkaranji Gujarat Key Benefiting Sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Engineering goods, Marine products Nature of Expected Benefit: Boost to pharma exports (Ahmedabad), chemicals (Surat & Bharuch), engineering (Rajkot), seafood (Veraval); MSMEs to benefit from easier UK access Tamil Nadu Key Benefiting Sectors: Textiles, Leather, Engineering goods Nature of Expected Benefit: Major gains in apparel (Tiruppur), leather (Vellore), auto parts (Chennai); improved price competitiveness in UK Karnataka Key Benefiting Sectors: Engineering goods, Electronics, Pharma Nature of Expected Benefit: Bangalore-based machinery and electronics exporters to benefit; pharma units to expand exports Andhra Pradesh Key Benefiting Sectors: Marine products, Textiles Nature of Expected Benefit: Substantial gains in shrimp and seafood exports from Visakhapatnam and Kakinada; textile units in Guntur region to benefit Odisha Key Benefiting Sectors: Marine products, Handicrafts Nature of Expected Benefit: Improved access for seafood from Paradip and Balasore; potential for traditional crafts in UK market Punjab Key Benefiting Sectors: Textiles, Engineering goods Nature of Expected Benefit: Textile exporters in Ludhiana and auto parts manufacturers to benefit from UK duty elimination. West Bengal Key Benefiting Sectors: Leather goods, Processed food, Tea Nature of Expected Benefit: Exports of leather items (Kolkata), Darjeeling tea, and packaged food items to increase Kerala Key Benefiting Sectors: Marine products, Spices Nature of Expected Benefit: Higher UK demand for shrimp, tuna and black pepper; exporters in Kochi and Alappuzha to gain Rajasthan Key Benefiting Sectors: Handicrafts, Gems & Jewellery Nature of Expected Benefit: Exports of Jaipur's jewellery and Jodhpur's furniture and crafts to expand due to reduced tariffs Delhi Key Benefiting Sectors: Apparel, Engineering, Jewellery Nature of Expected Benefit: MSMEs in Delhi NCR to gain from textile and jewellery exports; improved access to UK retailers Haryana Key Benefiting Sectors: Auto components, Textiles Nature of Expected Benefit: Exporters from Gurgaon and Faridabad to benefit from UK's zero-duty entry for engineering and textile goods Uttar Pradesh Key Benefiting Sectors: Handicrafts, Leather, Apparel Nature of Expected Benefit: Boost to Moradabad brassware, Kanpur leather, and Noida apparel exports with FTA-driven duty elimination Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
ITC announces Rs 20,000cr investment push: Focus on FMCG margin boost; Puri sees demand rebound ahead
Sanjiv Puri (left), ITC (TOI) Leading FMCG conglomerate ITC Ltd. plans to invest Rs 20,000 crore across its business verticals over the medium term, spanning the next five to six years, Chairman Sanjiv Puri announced recently, reported ET. The announcement comes shortly after the company inaugurated eight new manufacturing facilities focused on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), sustainable packaging, and export-oriented, value-added agri-products, Puri made the announcement while addressing the 114th general meeting of the company virtually on Friday. Banking on the economic outlook of India, ITC in the last two-years has spent over ₹4,500 crore on capex, he added, though he didn't reveal the sectors in which the new investments would be pumped in. He went on to say that the largest cigarette manufacturer of the country keenly looks at potential acquisitions aligning with its strategy and adding gradual growth, according to the news outlet. Kolkata based FMCG giant has made some key acquisitions in the past few years, including frozen food company Prasuma, organic packaged staples brand 24 Mantra Organic and Century Pulp and Paper. Puri also informed about the company's target at improving FMCG margins by 80-100 basis points per year (a basis point is a hundredth of a percentage point). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Salma Hayek, 58,Shows Her Huge Size In New Photos Boite A Scoop Undo "It may not be a linear increase but this is a trajectory we expect will sustain," he said. ITC, the second largest FMCG brand of the country, sees an annual consumer spend upwards of Rs 34,000 crore, reaching more than 260 households across India and exported to 70 countries. Over the past three years,the company has introduced 300 new FMCG products- a momentum company intends to continue, according to chairman Puri. "Segments like health and wellness, nutrition, functional foods, organic and naturals are poised to become megatrends of the future. New generation channels are also transforming the market and accentuating these trends," he said, reported ET. The ITC chairman touched on the point of settling headwinds, with commodity prices still high, overall inflation is relatively moderate. "We expect progressive improvement in demand," he said. He also shared that ITC is expanding into horticulture, including the cultivation of potatoes, spices, and mangoes. According to Puri, the company has integrated AI across its entire value chain - from product development and marketing to agricultural sourcing, logistics, and last-mile sales execution. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
