India Emerges as World’s Largest Retail GCC Hub; Hundreds of Thousands of Professionals Employed Across 180 Centers
India has achieved a significant milestone in the retail and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors. According to a report by TeamLease Digital, India has now become the world’s largest hub for retail Global Capability Centers (GCCs). Currently, there are 180 retail and FMCG GCCs operating in the country, employing approximately 272,000 professionals. The report indicates that India’s retail GCC market is 34% larger than the combined market share of Poland, the Philippines, Mexico, Germany, and Egypt. Experts believe that factors such as a skilled workforce, favorable government policies, tax incentives, and lower operational costs compared to other nations are making India an attractive destination for multinational companies.
India Leads in AI Adoption
The report also highlights India’s leadership in adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) within retail GCCs. Currently, 5% to 7% of the retail GCC workforce is engaged in AI-related roles—a figure significantly higher than in other major nations. However, the pool of experienced AI experts remains limited; across all 180 retail GCCs in India, there are only about 320 AI professionals with more than eight years of experience. This translates to an average of fewer than two senior AI experts per center.
Concentration of GCC Centers
Of the country’s 180 retail and FMCG GCCs, approximately 130 are “nano GCCs,” each employing between 200 and 250 people. The largest network of these centers is concentrated in Bengaluru, Mumbai, the NCR region, Pune, and Hyderabad. Additionally, new GCCs are rapidly being established in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, such as Mangaluru. Experts estimate that 60 to 70 percent of existing retail GCCs will expand their workforce and operations in the coming years.
Rising Demand for AI and Tech Professionals
Alongside the growth of retail GCCs, the demand for experts in AI, machine learning, and technology is surging. According to the report, hiring demand in this sector nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, with over 52,000 new jobs created last year. Segments related to technology, customer success, and supply chain currently account for approximately 60 percent of the total workforce. It is projected that their share of total hiring will exceed 80 percent by 2028.
AI Experts Commanding Multi-Crore Salaries
Due to the shortage of AI and machine learning experts, salaries in this sector are rising rapidly. AI professionals with three to six years of experience command a median annual package of around ₹46 lakh, while experts with six to ten years of experience earn an average of ₹68 lakh annually. The report indicates that senior professionals with over 15 years of experience—possessing expertise in both AI and the retail domain—can secure annual packages exceeding ₹1.2 crore. Experts believe that in the coming years, India will not only remain the largest hub for retail GCCs but also emerge as a major center for AI-driven operations and high-paying technical roles.
