According to a recent report by Avsar, a recruitment consulting firm, women now hold 23 per cent of senior leadership roles in the sector as of 2024, up from 18.7 per cent in 2023.
The 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.
The report throws 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 organisations through progress in fields such as AI, data-driven decision-making, and cybersecurity.
The report reveals that Chief Technology Officers earn between Rs 1.5 and Rs 4.5 crore annually, while chief information security officers command Rs 1 to Rs 3 crore per annum, emphasising the critical importance of safeguarding organizational data.
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Similarly, chief data officers receive annual packages ranging from Rs 1.2 to Rs 3.8 crore, highlighting the strategic role of data analytics. Meanwhile, the emerging role of Chief AI Officer offers initial packages between Rs 1.5 and Rs 3 crore in leading firms, demonstrating its rising significance in driving innovation.
The report also identified Bengaluru as the leading city for senior IT leadership hiring, accounting for 48 per cent, followed by Hyderabad (22 per cent), Pune (20 per cent), and Chennai (10 per cent). Additionally, NCR and Mumbai are witnessing increased demand for IT leadership roles, particularly in fintech and consulting-based firms, with NCR accounting for 12 per cent and Mumbai for 8 per cent. 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, while sustainable 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.
Navneet Singh, Founder and CEO, Avsar, stated, “The IT industry stands on the brink of monumental changes, and women holding 20 per cent 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.”
Singh added that 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.
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