C-Suite
Why hiring functional heads needs special attention in today’s age
Functional unit leaders require diverse skills like agility, credibility, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities. Companies seek individuals with global leadership experience, focusing on succession planning and market positioning for external hires.
India Inc helping more wonder women get C-suite superpowers
At Accenture, 29% of the leaders in India are women. Diageo India has 30% women in senior leadership. In the last few years, Marico's efforts have pushed women into close to 30% of leadership roles. PepsiCo is looking at 40% women in the India leadership team by next year. Larsen & Toubro handpicked 495 women employees to undergo leadership development programmes in the last few years.
Auto Industry ramps up C-suite hiring amid post-pandemic sales surge
The Indian automobile industry is experiencing a surge in hiring for C-suite executives from diverse consumer-facing sectors to address a talent shortage at the top level amid a post-pandemic sales rebound. Over the past 12-18 months, senior executives from FMCG, consumer durables, and retail backgrounds have transitioned to carmakers like Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motor Company, traditionally known for hiring engineers and technology experts.
Foreign lands turn hunting ground for CXO search companies
Global CEO and CXO searches by Indian companies and MNCs focus on specialist roles in high-tech sectors like automotive and pharmaceuticals, emphasizing expertise in data centers, cloud computing, and EV technologies. Returning Indians are sought for their industry knowledge.
Non-compete clauses: Unenforceable under law, but companies love them
While Indian law is clear on the unenforceability of a non-compete clause operating beyond the term of employment, companies still include it in contracts, particularly for senior executives, as it’s seen as a soft deterrent, said Jay Parikh, partner at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices. Employees would rather comply than bear litigation costs and carry the burden of being sued by their previous employer.
Focus on digital health leads to emergence of new roles in healthtech
The healthtech sector is experiencing significant growth in 2024, with a focus on digital health creating new roles. Despite challenges like funding winter and cost efficiencies, employment in healthtech has increased by 74% over the last two years. Key positions in demand include software developers, data scientists, and sales managers, with a preference for skills in Python.
More and more Indian companies ramp up background checks on C-suite
Indian companies discreetly monitor CEOs and key personnel through ongoing background screening, focusing on governance, fraud risk, legal liabilities, and regulatory compliance, with costs ranging from ₹1.5-7 lakh.
Gender diversity still a long way away among CFOs as women still remain underrepresented
Despite gender diversity efforts in India, women are underrepresented in CFO roles. Challenges include bias, retention issues, and supply-side constraints. Companies struggle to retain high-potential women, impacting women's rise to top finance roles.
Unveiling the essence of leadership: Insights from premier Institutions
Leadership is pivotal for organizational success, emphasizing vision, education, innovation, and resilience. Effective leaders inspire teams towards shared goals, foster collaboration, and drive impactful change initiatives with strategic acumen and agility.
What works best for effective leadership transitions: External candidates or internal promotions?
Leadership transitions are pivotal moments in a company's growth journey, driven by both external circumstances and internal leadership decisions. Choosing between internal promotions and external hires is a strategic decision at these junctures. Internal promotions offer advantages such as familiarity with the business and culture, smoother transitions, and boosted morale. Progressive companies focus on creating internal talent pipelines to reduce hiring costs and maintain continuity.
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Unlocking organizational potential: The role of chief executive officers (CXOs) in the digital era
Chief Experience Officers lead digital transformation to enhance customer engagement. Collaborating with C-suite executives and leveraging emerging technologies, CXOs drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to customers, shaping the future of business.
Executive search space heats up on the back of growing demand for leadership talent
Growing at 15-20% year-on-year, India’s retained executive search market has a mix of global search majors, search network firms, mixed model firms, boutique players and even one/two person outfits. Globally, five firms – Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles, Russell Reynolds, Egon Zehnder and Korn Ferry collectively called SHREK – dominate the executive search space. In India too, their market share is over 50%, say industry insiders.
Technical leadership is becoming a critical differentiator at senior level hiring
C-suite leaders must now possess technical skills alongside traditional leadership qualities. Companies emphasize the importance of understanding tech for strategic decision-making. Technical expertise is increasingly becoming a requirement at all levels of leadership.
Here's how much money Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S got in 2023
Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S's $22.5 million compensation for 2023 has sparked debate amid the company's 0.3% revenue decline to $19.4 billion. His package includes one-time awards like performance stock units and a cash sign-on bonus. The CEO pay ratio compared to employees in India is 1647:1. Previous CEO Brian Humphries received $4.2 million in 2023. CFO Jatin Dalal's target direct compensation was $5.2 million. The disparity in compensation, coupled with financial performance, has raised stakeholder concerns.
Mastering the art of digital marketing: Insights from premier business schools
Businesses utilize digital marketing programs from ISB and IIMI to equip professionals with skills and insights for success in the modern digital landscape, focusing on strategies, data-driven decision-making, and emerging technologies like AI and blockchain.
Dealing with layoffs: How companies and CEOs can handle a messy situation with relative ease
CEOs face tough layoff decisions with compassion and transparency. Providing outplacement services, skill development, and alternatives before layoffs can soften the blow. Emotional support for CEOs and strategic evaluation post-layoffs are crucial for organizational growth.
