• Bengaluru remains the primary hub for hiring top IT leaders, making up 48% of high-level placements, followed by Hyderabad (22%), Pune (20%), and Chennai (10%).
• Women empowerment initiatives (like structured mentorship programs and targeted leadership development opportunities) are steadily contributing to this transformation.
• New roles like Chief AI Officer (CAO) and Chief Automation Officer are being introduced as AI and ML adoption accelerates.
• Hybrid leadership roles combining IT and business functions (e.g., Chief Digital Officer) are on the rise.

 
Avsar, a new-age recruitment consulting and outsourcing company specializing in talent acquisition, has revealed in its latest report that women now hold 23% of senior leadership jobs in India’s Information Technology sector as of 2024 while women held 18.7% of senior leadership roles in 2023. However, men still hold the majority of leadership positions, ongoing women empowerment initiatives through mentorship programs and leadership development programs are closing the gender representation gap.
 
The report sheds light on crucial leadership positions that significantly impact the IT industry’s expansion. Jobs like Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Data Officer, and the emerging Chief AI Officer are among the most in-demand job roles. These roles need more than just tech expertise and demand a more strategic vision to guide organizations through progress in fields such as AI, data-driven decision-making, and cybersecurity.
 
Insights into compensation reveal the growing demand for these roles. Chief Technology Officers earn between INR 1.5 and INR 4.5 crore annually, while Chief Information Security Officers command INR 1 to INR 3 crore per annum, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding organizational data. Similarly, Chief Data Officers receive annual packages ranging from INR 1.2 to INR 3.8 crore, highlighting the strategic role of data analytics. Meanwhile, the emerging role of Chief AI Officer offers initial packages between INR 1.5 and INR 3 crore in leading firms, demonstrating its rising significance in driving innovation.
 
The report also identifies Bengaluru as the leading city for senior IT leadership hiring, accounting for 48%, followed by Hyderabad (22%), Pune (20%), and Chennai (10%). Additionally, NCR and Mumbai are witnessing increased demand for IT leadership roles, particularly in fintech and consulting-based firms, with NCR accounting for 12% and Mumbai for 8%. These geographical insights reflect the diverse regional dynamics influencing leadership hiring in the industry.
 
As the IT sector evolves, new trends are shaping its leadership landscape. Hybrid leadership roles, such as Chief Digital Officer, are blending IT expertise with business acumen, whilesustainable technology practices are becoming a key consideration for senior leaders. These developments reflect the industry’s move toward more agile, adaptive, and future-ready leadership.

Sharing his perspective on the report, Navneet Singh, Founder & CEO, Avsar, stated, “The IT industry stands on the brink of monumental changes, and women holding 20% of senior leadership roles in IT signals a shift towards a more inclusive industry. The ongoing surge in women holding top leadership spots shows a wider understanding that diverse leaders are essential and not just desired to spark new ideas and growth. Women offer fresh viewpoints and unique strategies, which are vital to handling today’s tricky tech and business issues. To sustain this momentum, companies need to break down barriers, invest in growing talent, and create workplaces where everyone can succeed. The path forward involves both creating abundant opportunities and redefining leadership.”

This report, based on a detailed analysis of industry trends, hiring practices, and leadership dynamics within India’s IT sector, examines patterns in gender representation, compensation structures, and emerging roles. Avsar studied 150 IT companies to provide a comprehensive view of the IT sector’s evolving leadership landscape and its implications for the industry’s future.