Retail GCCs Double AI Workforce, Senior Talent Remains Scarce
What Happened
India’s retail and consumer Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have more than doubled AI workforce penetration from 2.1% in 2022 to 4.8% in 2025, with projections of reaching 10.6% by 2028. However, despite strong hiring demand and nearly 7,800 AI and data professionals in the sector, there are only about 320 senior AI professionals with over eight years of experience across 180 retail GCCs, creating a significant leadership gap. Bengaluru alone accounts for more than half of this talent pool
Key Takeaways
Retail GCCs are rapidly expanding AI capabilities, but a shortage of experienced AI leaders could become a major growth constraint, intensifying competition for top talent and driving up salaries.