The adoption of Artificial Intelligence across various business functions has been steadily increasing over the years. While organisations are leveraging AI capabilities, a critical gap remains—the need for a dedicated team to develop effective AI-driven strategies tailored to specific business requirements. Today, this gap can be addressed by forming a leadership team specialised in formulating sustainable AI-based solutions. For working professionals and emerging talent in the field of Artificial Intelligence, this presents a valuable opportunity to enhance both technical and soft skills, paving the way to advance into impactful and strategic roles in their careers.
Recent Trends in Leadership Hiring in AI
Leadership hiring within the domain of Artificial Intelligence is witnessing significant growth in the current global employment landscape. In FY25, this segment experienced a growth rate between 40% to 60% compared to the previous year. This surge is being driven by rising demand for AI leadership roles across companies in IT services and consulting, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), financial services, and healthcare.
Emerging startups in fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, as well as in deeptech and generative AI, are actively preparing to establish dedicated AI data centres and teams—efforts that will require experienced strategic AI leaders.
Several multinational corporations (MNCs) in India are also setting up AI data centres as part of their expansion strategies. Accenture, a leading IT services and consulting firm, stated, “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.” LTIMindtree recently appointed Mr. Nachiket Deshpande as President of Global AI Services, Strategic Deals, and Partnerships, remarking, “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.”
Krishna VJ, Vice President at TeamLease Digital, said, “The industry has realised that AI is now a boardroom priority for their clients and is positioning AI leadership talent to drive consulting-led engagements, co-create industry-specific AI solutions, and directly influence business outcomes.”
The rise of generative AI as a vital business growth stimulator for startups, multinational corporations establishing specialised AI data centres, etc, has contributed significantly to the surge in demand for AI leadership roles in India and around the globe.
Top AI Leadership Roles in Demand
- Chief AI Officer
- Head of AI/ML
- Vice President – AI Engineering
- Vice President – AI Strategy/Innovation
- Vice President – Machine Learning/Generative AI
- Director – Applied AI or Innovation
- Director – Generative AI Applications
- Director – Data Science
- Head – AI Product
According to staffing firm Ciel HR, there has been a significant increase in hiring for these leadership roles over the past two to three quarters. The firm also reported that companies such as Accenture, LTIMindtree, Deloitte, IBM, and Wipro have been among the top recruiters for AI leadership positions in recent years.
Salary Trends
According to Quess Corp, Chief AI Officers typically earn between ₹1.2 crore to ₹2.5 crore annually, while the Head of AI/ML earns between ₹80 lakh to ₹1.5 crore. Vice Presidents of Generative AI/Machine Learning receive compensation ranging from ₹70 lakh to ₹1.2 crore. Directors of AI Innovation generally earn between ₹80 lakh and ₹1 crore. Quess Corp also noted that salary growth for AI leadership roles is projected at 15–20%, particularly for positions involving ethical and responsible AI frameworks and innovations in Generative AI.
Insights for Employers
Artificial Intelligence is now being applied across all business functions—from HR to Marketing and Sales. Establishing an internal, specialised AI team can offer significant benefits to companies. To drive critical strategies and lead these teams effectively, it is essential to have a leader proficient in current AI technologies and strategic decision-making. This ensures that each function within the organisation receives tailored AI-driven solutions, fostering sustainable business growth and profitability.
Insights for Job Seekers
Mid-level and senior-level professionals, as well as freshers in the field of Artificial Intelligence, have strong potential to advance into leadership roles. These positions are in high demand and offer significant earning potential across sectors where AI plays a pivotal role. To transition into such roles, individuals must develop both strong technical and soft skills.
- Technical Skills: Programming languages (Python, R), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Data Engineering and Analysis, and familiarity with AI frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.
- Soft Skills: Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Adaptability, Conflict Management, Decision Making, and Strategic Thinking.
As businesses increasingly integrate AI into their daily operations, the need for an AI-focused leadership team will become essential for effective strategy and decision-making in the coming years. This growing demand for AI leadership is being propelled by both multinational corporations and startups establishing dedicated AI centres. For working professionals and emerging talent in the AI domain, these leadership roles present a significant opportunity to advance their careers, offering not only strategic influence but also high compensation. Though AI continues to transform business functions across sectors, it still requires strategic human intervention to achieve meaningful progress and results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is driving the rise in AI leadership hiring?
2. Which AI leadership roles are most in demand today?
3. What is the salary range for AI leadership roles in India?
4. What skills are needed to transition into AI leadership roles?
5. Why is it important for companies to build internal AI leadership teams?
