Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are increasingly turning to IT services companies for talent, with nearly half of their workforce now coming directly from these firms.

Recent data from HR consultancy Xpheno highlights a shift in recruitment strategies, with GCCs now sourcing 45-48% of their workforce from IT firms, up from 35% in 2022-23. These centers are offering premium salaries, 20% to 30% higher than IT firms, especially in emerging areas like cloud, data, and analytics.

In the realms of cybersecurity and AI, GCCs maintain a 10% to 15% higher compensation for key positions compared to IT companies, despite the overall slowdown in technology hiring. "Talent from tier-1 players dominates the movement from IT services to GCCs," said Kedar Pathak, a GCC specialist at Xpheno.

Both new and expanding GCCs are driving recruitment in India, where 75% of their technology operations are based. These centers are expanding beyond traditional hubs into emerging locations like Coimbatore and Jaipur, according to HR consultancy NLB Services.

ANSR's cofounder Vikram Ahuja notes an increasing partnership with finishing schools to secure candidates with specific skill sets, predicting a rise in tapping finishing schools from 10% to 20% in the next few years.

Senior-level recruitment remains strong, with over 100 VPs, AVPs, and SVPs moving from IT services to GCCs within a year, driven by better compensation. GCC technology leadership positions offer 14% higher compensation than IT peers, whilst CFOs receive 12% more, and HR leaders earn 25% higher packages compared to IT firms.