The transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant promise—it’s a reality reshaping industries across the globe. In India, companies are sprinting to recruit top-notch talent capable of harnessing artificial intelligence tools to propel their businesses forward.
From mid-level to senior positions, the demand for artificial intelligence experts has reached unprecedented heights, leading to fierce competition among employers.
The Talent Crunch in AI Roles
Recruitment services and search firms unanimously report that the demand for artificial intelligence experts has hit an all-time high.
Roles like “head of AI,” “head of data sciences,” and “head of platform engineering” are particularly sought after. Professionals in these domains often find themselves juggling multiple job offers simultaneously.
The stakes are high, with some executives even negotiating up to a 50% salary increase as an incentive to switch companies. At the leadership level, annual salaries are soaring, with figures crossing the impressive Rs 3 crore mark.
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Profiles in Demand
1- Head of Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences: These roles are pivotal in shaping an organization’s AI strategy. Companies are vying for experts who can lead artificial intelligence initiatives, drive innovation, and create business value.
2- Gen AI Leaders: The latest addition to the lineup, Gen AI leaders specialize in leveraging AI across generations of technology. Their expertise bridges legacy systems and cutting-edge artificial intelligence applications.
3- Global AI Roles: SAP Labs India recently elevated two executives to global artificial intelligence positions. Rahul Lodhe now heads engineering for SAP Gen AI Copilot, while Sudhakar Singh takes charge as the chief AI security officer. These appointments underscore the growing importance of artificial intelligence on the global stage.
Compensation and Perks on AI Skills
Salaries for artificial intelligence professionals are skyrocketing.
Some executives in leading tech companies draw annual packages of $1-2 million, including ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) and RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).
Additionally, fractional leadership roles and flexible work arrangements sweeten the deal for those considering a move.
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Recent Appointments
Prakhar Mehrotra: Blackstone appointed him as head of artificial intelligence. Previously with Walmart Global Tech, Mehrotra brings his expertise to the forefront of AI-driven decision-making.
Chakradhara Panda: As head of data and artificial intelligence at Adani AI Labs, Panda joined from Publicis Sapient. His role involves shaping Adani’s AI strategy and driving innovation.
Mayank Verma: Xebia’s global head of data and AI, Verma, formerly with EY India, is instrumental in transforming data into actionable insights.
Anil Pawar: Yotta Data Services welcomed Pawar as their chief Artificial Intelligence officer. Yotta, a data center startup, is part of the Hiranandani group.
“There are some executives who are heading AI/ML/data sciences functions at leading tech companies drawing salaries of $1-2 million, including ESOPs/RSU,” Ashish Sanganeria, senior partner at Transearch, told Economic Times.
Although the demand for artificial intelligence experts has been present for the last four to five years, it’s accelerated only in the last 18 to 24 months.
“The pandemic has played a key role in exponentially increasing the digital transformation across industries and, thereby, increasing the demand for artificial intelligence expertise and the broader adoption of AI technologies across industries,” said Ratna Gupta of ABC.
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