As the US engineering and construction industry began 2022 with strong growth, Deloitte is making significant strides in India, aiming to bolster its workforce and enhance its capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI). The firm has announced plans to hire 50,000 professionals in India as part of its ambitious expansion strategy.
In recent years, the Indian corporate landscape has seen a notable increase in executive compensation. Median CEO pay in India reached ₹10.5 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting a 5% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, median CFO compensation has climbed to ₹4.5 crore, marking the highest increase among CXOs.
According to Anandorup Ghose, a key figure in the industry, “Given the ongoing underperformance of Indian equity markets… it is natural that pay increases were lower last year.” This context highlights the evolving dynamics of executive compensation in response to market conditions.
Deloitte’s South Asia COO, Nitin Kini, emphasized the importance of upskilling employees in AI, stating, “It is about upskilling and making sure that we can solve higher-order value problems with emerging tech.” The firm has already trained nearly 30,000 employees in AI and is transitioning thousands more to work with its internal platforms.
In addition to its hiring plans, Deloitte invests 9% of its top line into capability and capacity building, as well as innovation. This commitment reflects the firm’s strategic focus on enhancing its service offerings and addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the technology sector.
Concerns around AI-led job losses are being addressed by Deloitte, which is focusing on efficiency rather than workforce reduction. Kini remarked, “Companies want to ensure that their data, which is essentially IP, does not leave their perimeter,” highlighting the need for secure and efficient operations in the digital age.
The shift in executive compensation structures is also noteworthy, with Indian companies moving away from uniform reward structures. There is a growing emphasis on internal performance metrics rather than relying solely on share price movements, indicating a more nuanced approach to rewarding leadership.
As Deloitte continues to expand its presence in India, the implications of these developments are significant for both the firm and the broader corporate landscape. With a focus on innovation and workforce development, Deloitte is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving market.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impact of recent legislative measures, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, on the construction industry. However, Deloitte’s proactive approach to hiring and training suggests a commitment to navigating these uncertainties effectively.
