India has become an epicentre of innovation in all things digital, evolving into much more than an option to gain wage arbitrage, said Graig Paglieri, global CEO of Randstad Digital. During a recent visit to India, Paglieri said India is now the company’s second largest talent market, with data, AI and machine learning seeing the most recent demand growth. Edited excerpts of an interview with ET’s Brinda Sarkar.
How important is India as a market for you?
India is a highly strategic market for Randstad Digital, both from a commercial business point-of-view with our India-based clients, as well as with our global delivery centre operation that supports clients based all over the world. India has become an epicentre of innovation in digital, and much more than just an option to gain wage arbitrage. There is a volume of knowledge that exists here, and so many of our clients have invested directly into this market and they still need our help as a service provider here in India to ensure they have the right talent.
Which sectors do you see your biggest growth coming from?
Data continues to be a huge driver of growth for us. AI, machine learning and automation are also crucial areas of focus. In India, we’re seeing green shoots everywhere. BFSI went through a cycle and we’re still seeing lots of interest from GCCs in the industry. One of the emerging areas is the life sciences and healthcare space, which is seeing sustained growth in the post-Covid world. There’s a lot of investment they’re making in areas like cybersecurity to having digital records for their patients and hospital management systems, and a lot of this digital transformation is happening out of India. In a market like India, the talent is abundant, aligned and agile.
How are AI and automation changing the talent landscape? How do you see roles evolving?
We’re seeing more and more companies automating and digitising with greater urgency than before. AI is now integral to everything, it’s the business model of the future. I don’t anticipate a net job loss, but I do see jobs becoming more advisory or consultative in nature. Thanks to AI, people will have the ability to reinvest their time and focus on providing a higher quality service.
What are your biggest priorities here?
Randstad Digital was formed in 2023 as part of a global transformation within the parent firm, Randstad, to shift from a generalist staffing company across every discipline to a partner for talent strategy with four specialisations, including digital. Talent is very much at the centre of our strategy. We have to work in a connected manner and be able to tap into talent wherever they are in the world. Our clients have access to the best tech talent in the world and we provide that talent through flexible delivery models.
How important is India as a market for you?
India is a highly strategic market for Randstad Digital, both from a commercial business point-of-view with our India-based clients, as well as with our global delivery centre operation that supports clients based all over the world. India has become an epicentre of innovation in digital, and much more than just an option to gain wage arbitrage. There is a volume of knowledge that exists here, and so many of our clients have invested directly into this market and they still need our help as a service provider here in India to ensure they have the right talent.
Which sectors do you see your biggest growth coming from?
Data continues to be a huge driver of growth for us. AI, machine learning and automation are also crucial areas of focus. In India, we’re seeing green shoots everywhere. BFSI went through a cycle and we’re still seeing lots of interest from GCCs in the industry. One of the emerging areas is the life sciences and healthcare space, which is seeing sustained growth in the post-Covid world. There’s a lot of investment they’re making in areas like cybersecurity to having digital records for their patients and hospital management systems, and a lot of this digital transformation is happening out of India. In a market like India, the talent is abundant, aligned and agile.
How are AI and automation changing the talent landscape? How do you see roles evolving?
We’re seeing more and more companies automating and digitising with greater urgency than before. AI is now integral to everything, it’s the business model of the future. I don’t anticipate a net job loss, but I do see jobs becoming more advisory or consultative in nature. Thanks to AI, people will have the ability to reinvest their time and focus on providing a higher quality service.
What are your biggest priorities here?
Randstad Digital was formed in 2023 as part of a global transformation within the parent firm, Randstad, to shift from a generalist staffing company across every discipline to a partner for talent strategy with four specialisations, including digital. Talent is very much at the centre of our strategy. We have to work in a connected manner and be able to tap into talent wherever they are in the world. Our clients have access to the best tech talent in the world and we provide that talent through flexible delivery models.
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