C-Suite
Strategic marketing for leaders: Equipping professionals to lead in the AI age.
For professionals aiming to advance into leadership roles, a strategic marketing programme is more than just upskilling—it is about staying relevant in a market where digital and data-driven approaches are reshaping traditional marketing boundaries. Here’s how IIM-C’s Strategic Marketing for Leaders: Leveraging AI for Growth goes beyond conventional marketing education, offering an integrated approach that enables professionals to lead in an AI-first business landscape.
CXOs spending more time weighing risks and responsibilities of new roles, companies deal with uneasy wait
Senior leaders are now spending more time weighing risks and responsibilities of new roles amid a volatile business environment. Resilient demand for seasoned C-suite professionals is also working in their favour despite an overall soft job market. “For a CEO or CXO in their mid-40s, the next ten years are critical—reset years,” said D Shivakumar, former CEO at PepsiCo, and currently operating partner at Advent India.
The next leadership leap: Navigating strategy and disruption in the AI age with IIM Kozhikode
For professionals ready to recalibrate their leadership trajectory, the IIMK Senior Management Programme (SMP) arrives at an opportune time. It’s an opportunity to level up in both relevance and resilience, blending digital fluency, especially AI literacy, with strategic decision-making skills to align leadership ambitions with the future of business. Here’s why it matters.
Blue-collar wages grow 5-6% annually as industries focus on skilled talent: Report
Blue-collar wages in India are growing at an annual rate of 5–6%, supported by strong demand and performance-based incentives, according to Deloitte's ‘Blue-Collar Workforce Trends 2025’ report released on Thursday. Hiring intent for such roles increased by 10% in 2025, driven by sectors like manufacturing, automotive, e-commerce, and logistics.
India critical to global strategy, says Spencer Stuart's Jordan Brugg, but warns of executive talent crunch
India's talent pool holds immense strategic value for future growth. However, companies face near-term challenges due to high demand and limited executive availability. Experts suggest a need for strategic talent planning, development, and succession planning. Companies are looking for leaders with agility and empowering styles. Succession planning is expanding beyond top leadership.
Next in boardroom evolution- survival of the specialist: India Inc biggies hiring super-specialist COOs, CMOs, CTOs
Indian companies, including Bajaj Finserv and TCS, are increasingly hiring super-specialist COOs, CMOs, and CTOs to navigate AI disruptions and complex markets. This trend reflects a shift in corporate leadership, with CEOs delegating operational responsibilities to focus on strategic priorities. The surge in C-suite appointments and exits highlights the intense pressures and rapid strategy shifts at top companies.
Top executives skip the sweet talk, approach lawyers and consultants to negotiate contracts
New Chief Executive Officers in India are now carefully negotiating their employment agreements. This is due to increased performance pressure and regulatory oversight. CEOs want detailed contracts covering roles, severance, and equity. Law firms report a rise in executives seeking advice on contracts and exits. Companies are becoming more open to these demands to attract top talent.
Leaders, uninterrupted: Work and learn via UWA Global MBA with IIM Kozhikode certification
The UWA Global MBA with IIM Kozhikode certification offers an opportunity to upskill without stepping away from your career. This dual-accredited MBA program promises a world-class curriculum from two globally respected institutions, tailored for mid to senior-level professionals looking to stay ahead of the growth curve. Here are its key advantages and a guide on how to apply.
As Indian unicorns soar, corner offices still remain a man's world
Despite India's booming startup scene, a new report reveals a significant gender gap in unicorn leadership. Women hold only 10% of C-suite roles, with underrepresentation in tech and strategic functions. While excelling in HR, they lag in CEO, CTO, and CIO positions, highlighting systemic challenges in career advancement and industry acceptance.
Second among equals? Yes, say CCOs. Not by paycheck, counter cos
A recent Sebi circular mandating a higher reporting structure for company secretaries and chief compliance officers (CCOs) has sparked debate. While compliance heads welcome the move, listed companies fear potential disruptions to internal hierarchies and pay scales. Some CCOs are seeking parity with CFOs, prompting calls for clarification from the market regulator regarding the circular's intent.
Must Watch
Seven in 10 Indian professionals aspire to lead a company: Survey
The Meaning of Work survey by leadership and executive search firm Amrop highlights India’s distinct perspective on work as a core pillar of identity, ambition and life satisfaction.
More CEOs eye exit as going gets tough, options spring up
India Inc. is witnessing a surge in CEO departures, with a significant increase in exits at NSE-listed companies during the March quarter of 2025. This trend is fueled by factors like new opportunities, talent scarcity, heightened scrutiny, and rising expectations from boards and shareholders. The growing CEO compensation and global economic uncertainties further contribute to this dynamic landscape.
13% uptick in median salaries of CEOs in 2025 despite market volatility: Deloitte India Report
Despite market fluctuations, Indian CEOs' median compensation reached Rs 10 crore in 2025, a 13% increase, says Deloitte India. While 40% is fixed, 60% is performance-linked. Other C-suite roles also saw pay hikes. Companies are rethinking compensation amid volatility, with increased scrutiny of stock-based incentives. Shareholder rejection rates for new stock plans have quadrupled, signaling enhanced governance and stakeholder protection.
Promoter-led companies retaining non-executive directors, chairpersons for guidance, boardroom decision making
Guenter Butschek, former CEO of Tata Motors, has been made a non-executive, non-independent director at the company. Bharat Puri, who recently retired as MD of Pidilite, has been retained as a non-executive, nonindependent director. Former Jaguar Land Rover CEO Thierry Yves Henri Bollore is now non-executive chairman of group company Tata AtoComp. HK Agarwal, former MD of Grasim Industries, is an advisor to the company board.
White-collar hiring steady in March despite holiday disruptions: Report
Hiring in India's white-collar job market remained stable in March, with AI-ML showing 25% year-on-year growth. IT sector saw signs of recovery, and emerging technologies hiring surged by 36%. Unicorns, particularly in banking and financial services, and experienced professionals were in high demand.
‘Building the next generation of women leaders: Discover how Kent's India Women in Leadership scholarship is shaping the future’
The University of Kent offers the India Women in Leadership Scholarship, covering 50% of tuition fees for one year of Master's study. This initiative aims to increase the representation of women in senior leadership roles by supporting their education in top-ranked courses like Business, Law, and Computing.
