A growing number of professionals from the Big Four accounting and consulting firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—are making their way into India’s corporate C-suites, signaling a shift in how companies source leadership talent.
Industry experts estimate that between 30 to 50 senior professionals transition each year from these firms into executive roles across sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare, and consumer goods.
This trend reflects a two-way exchange: while Big Four firms continue to attract senior talent from industry, they are also becoming a reliable source of future CEOs, COOs, CFOs, and other top executives.
Companies increasingly recognize their alumni as well-rounded leaders with sectoral depth, commercial acumen, and the ability to drive transformation.
From Advisory to Executive: Notable Transitions
Several recent appointments highlight the scale and diversity of this movement.
EY alumni include Sandeep Ghosh, now Group Country Manager for India and South Asia at Visa, and Arindam Bannerji, who leads State Street in India.
PwC has produced leaders like Sudhir Kesavan, COO of CitiusTech, and Jane Sequeira Kumar, who heads pharma and healthcare investment banking at ICICI Direct.
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KPMG’s Arjun Vaidyanathan now serves as COO at One97 Communications, while Harsha Razdan leads Dentsu South Asia.
Deloitte alumni include Sanjeev Rastogi, CEO of Adani Group’s global capability center, and Shekhar Tiwari, Global Head of Managed Services at GEP Worldwide.
Even firms beyond the Big Four, such as Grant Thornton, are contributing to this pipeline.
Vivek Vikram Singh, now Managing Director and Group CEO of Sona Comstar, previously led Grant Thornton’s advisory practice for industrials and auto sectors.
Why Professionals From Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG Are in Demand
Big Four professionals gain broad exposure across industries and develop strong problem-solving skills.
They also lead large teams, which enhances their readiness for executive roles.
“A professional services environment is a unique learning opportunity,” said Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson of PwC India.
“Our people are required to comprehend a wide range of issues and help clients navigate them. Most of them also lead large teams and are deeply embedded into a quality-first mindset”.
EY, India’s largest Big Four firm, produces leaders who combine consulting expertise with implementation experience, which enhances their credibility in operational roles.
Firms as Leadership Incubators
Companies increasingly regard the Big Four not just as service providers but as leadership incubators.
Their structured training programs, exposure to strategic decision-making, and emphasis on governance and compliance prepare professionals for executive responsibilities.
Companies are seeking leaders who can manage complexity, drive innovation, and respond to regulatory shifts.
Big Four alumni meet these demands by offering a compelling blend of skills.
Indian companies are increasingly redefining leadership pathways. This shift reflects a broader evolution in the corporate landscape, moving beyond traditional industry routes.
Companies increasingly view professional services firms as fertile ground for grooming future CXOs.
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