Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India are increasingly becoming launchpads for global leaders. Over the past two years, more than 10 executives from India’s GCCs have moved into CXO roles abroad at parent companies such as Tesco and Walmart. With India hosting nearly 1,750 GCCs employing 1.9 million people and contributing $64.6 billion in exports in 2024, the country is not just supporting global firms—it is shaping their leadership pipelines.
Core Development
Executives groomed in India’s GCCs are now taking on high-impact global roles:
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Sumit Mitra (Tesco): Former Bengaluru GCC leader, now managing operations across five countries.
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Hari Vasudev (Walmart): Chief Technology Officer for Walmart US, previously with its India GCC.
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Tathagat Varma (Walmart India): Elevated to Global TechOps leader in the US.
Nasscom projects that by 2030, GCCs in India could produce 30,000 global leaders, up from 5,000 in 2022, reflecting the shift from back-office support to strategic innovation hubs.
Key Drivers / Issues
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Expansion of GCC functions from call centres to R&D, digital innovation, and global strategy.
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India’s large talent pool, skilled in emerging tech and management.
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Cost efficiency combined with high-value strategic output.
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Strong integration between Indian GCCs and multinational headquarters.
Stakeholder Impact
For global companies, Indian GCCs now serve as leadership nurseries, not just operational arms. Executives gain global mobility and visibility, while India’s workforce benefits from skill development and career acceleration. For the Indian economy, GCCs strengthen services exports and global reputation.
Industry & Policy Reactions
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Nasscom estimates services exports from GCCs could reach $100 billion by 2030.
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Industry leaders see India’s GCCs as critical to multinational competitiveness, given their scale, talent, and innovation capabilities.
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Experts highlight the growing need for leadership training ecosystems within GCCs to sustain this trajectory.
Challenges Ahead
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Ensuring continuous upskilling in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity.
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Balancing cost advantages with quality and strategic value creation.
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Retaining top talent amid rising global mobility opportunities.
Strategic Outlook
India’s GCCs are evolving into centres of innovation and leadership pipelines. By 2030, they are set to produce thousands of global executives, positioning India not just as a service provider but as a leader in shaping corporate strategy worldwide.
Why This Matters
The rise of GCC executives to global roles signals India’s transformation into a global leadership hub. This shift strengthens India’s strategic value in the global economy, beyond its traditional role as an outsourcing destination.
