News Digest
Jobs, funding, startups & career opportunities - updated every 30 minutes
Ecommerce companies go big on gig hiring for festive play
E-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart are driving a three-year high in seasonal hiring this festive season, creating half a million jobs. Flipkart has doubled its job openings compared to last year, while Amazon India is increasing its gig workforce by 35-40%. Both companies are prioritizing inclusivity by hiring more women and differently-abled workers to meet the anticipated surge in demand.
Client Associates Names Joseph Thomas as Managing Partner and Co-COO
Client Associates, India's largest Multi-Family Office and Private Wealth Management firm, has appointed Joseph Thomas as Managing Partner and Co-Chief Operating Officer. Client Associates Names Joseph Thomas as Managing Partner and Co-COO | hrnxt.com
REA Group Names Cameron McIntyre as CEO; Owen Wilson to Retire
REA Group has appointed Cameron McIntyre as its next CEO, effective November 3, 2025, as Owen Wilson steps down after more than six years in the role. REA Group Names Cameron McIntyre as CEO; Owen Wilson to Retire | hrnxt.com
Amazon India creates 150,000 seasonal jobs, up from 110,000 last year
Amazon India is boosting its workforce. It is creating 150,000 seasonal jobs. These jobs are across India. The focus is on tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This expansion prepares for the festive season. It includes opportunities for women and persons with disabilities. Amazon is also improving associate well-being. They are expanding rest centers and health check-ups.
Location considerations, duration, among reasons for applicants not accepting PM Internship Scheme offers: Govt
The government said that many youth declined internship offers under the PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) pilot due to factors like location, internship duration, and higher education plans. Launched in October 2024, the scheme aims to offer 1 crore internships in five years. Despite over 1.27 lakh internships posted in the first round, only 8,700 candidates joined. Feedback will shape the scheme’s full rollout.
More big four pros landing at C-suite spot as firms become leadership pipeline
The Big Four accounting firms—EY, PwC, KPMG, and Deloitte—are increasingly becoming a significant source of C-suite talent for corporations in India. Industry experts estimate that 30 to 50 leaders transition annually from these firms to corporate boardrooms.
PwC India plans to triple its revenue and create 20,000 jobs in next five years
PwC India unveils Vision 2030, targeting a threefold revenue increase in five years. The firm will invest heavily in technology and talent. Focus will be on digital transformation and sustainability. PwC plans to add 20,000 jobs, expanding into Tier 2 and 3 cities. The strategy prioritizes key sectors like financial services and technology.
Beyond Burnout: Embedding Mental Health at the Heart of Corporate Insurance Strategy
In the last decade, the conversation around employee well-being has shifted decisively, with mental health emerging as a cornerstone of corporate resilience and workforce sustainability. For India, where employer-sponsored health insurance is one of the most dependable sources of healthcare for formal employees, this shift presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. The Business Case: […] Beyond Burnout: Embedding Mental Health at the Heart of Corporate Insurance Strategy | hrnxt.com
StayVista plans to hire over 1000 hospitality professionals in FY26
StayVista, a luxury villa rental platform, announced its ambitious plan to hire over 1,000 hospitality experts in financial year 2026. This recruitment drive aims to bolster on-ground service teams across its 1,000+ villas nationwide, focusing on roles like housekeeping, guest relations, and F&B. The hiring will prioritize emerging regions such as Goa, Coorg, Lonavala, and Himachal Pradesh.
Voice-based roles dwindle to 26% in India’s BPM sector as AI, tech jobs rise
India's BPM sector is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from voice-centric roles to non-voice, knowledge processing, and emerging tech positions. This transition is fueled by digital transformation across industries, with emerging tech roles nearly doubling year-on-year. Tier-II cities like Mysuru, Jaipur, and Coimbatore are emerging as talent hubs, while gender disparity persists, particularly in emerging tech roles.
Breaking the glass ceiling: Female CEOs and managing directors in India Inc
Hindustan Unilever appointed Priya Nair as its new CEO and managing director, effective August 2025, highlighting a significant step for female leadership in India. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in top corporate roles, facing challenges in recruitment, retention, and career advancement. The article lists other prominent female CEOs and managing directors leading major Indian companies across diverse sectors.
Sabih Khan joins elite league of India-born C-suite executives at global giants
Sabih Khan, born in Moradabad, has been appointed as the chief operating officer of Apple, joining the ranks of India-born executives leading global corporations. Following in the footsteps of leaders like Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai, Khan's promotion highlights the increasing presence of Indian talent at the helm of multinational giants.
Boards bet big on talent beyond the CEO
Corporate boards are increasingly involved in talent management, extending their focus beyond CEO succession to encompass broader leadership development. A recent survey indicates boards dedicate significant time to talent strategies, yet many CHROs view them primarily as governance bodies. Challenges persist in preparing future-ready leaders, with concerns about internal talent readiness and securing strong leadership sponsorship, impacting overall organizational performance.
Finding top talent: Hospitality sector demand seen at 600-1,000 GMs in five years
Industry insiders said rapid expansion by hotel chains over the next five years is likely to create demand for 600-1,000 new general managers, or heads of hotels. Dilip Puri, founder and chairman of the Indian School of Hospitality, refers to it as the GM conundrum.
White-collar hiring shows strong momentum, led by consumer electronics sector
White-collar hiring in India remains strong, with steady MoM and notable YoY growth, led by sectors like consumer electronics (70% YoY) and logistics. Senior roles saw a 36% rise, with Mumbai topping city-wise growth. Diversity hiring surged 53% in two years, with women now forming 68% of such hires. Tier-2 cities are catching up, and demand stays high across experience levels.
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.
Battle for brains: The rising warfare for talent in India's GCC sector
Indian GCCs face recruitment challenges due to a talent gap in specialized skills and increased talent mobility towards newer centers offering better packages. The younger workforce seeks purposeful work and dynamic environments, prompting GCCs to adapt their strategies. Remote work's popularity and expansion into Tier-II/III cities further complicate talent acquisition, necessitating innovative, employee-centric approaches to win the talent war.
Freshers vs. experienced professionals: Who’s winning the GCC hiring race?
GCCs in India are increasingly prioritizing experienced professionals to drive innovation and strategic initiatives, particularly in complex domains like AI and cybersecurity. While fresh graduates remain valuable for high-volume, lower-risk roles, experienced talent is favored for leadership and domain-specific positions.
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.
Companies look to power up AI teams, build talent pipeline
Despite a sluggish job market, India Inc is heavily investing in AI talent, with companies like Accenture and NTT Data leading the charge. They are seeking professionals skilled in Agentic AI, foundation models, and responsible AI frameworks to reshape business models. This surge is fueled by the projected growth of India's generative AI sector, expected to reach $6.4 billion by 2030.
4 tips for a successful comeback after a mid-career break
Taking a mid-career break is becoming more common, and returning to work can be challenging. To make a successful comeback, assess and update your skills, consider career pivots, revamp your resume and LinkedIn, and explore returnships or part-time roles. A well-planned approach can turn your career break into an asset and ensure a rewarding return to the workforce.