As the world rapidly embraces technological advancements, India is emerging as a critical hub for global innovation, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). For EY, one of the “Big Four” global professional services firms, its Global Delivery Services (GDS) unit in India is not just a strategic location it’s an engine driving the firm’s AI innovation agenda. With over 60,000 employees spread across key cities like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Chennai, the GDS unit has evolved into a pivotal player in shaping EY’s global capabilities in AI, consulting, technology, and M&A.
The GDS unit’s transformation has been remarkable. Initially focused on providing tax-related services, it has since expanded its offerings to cover a wide range of services, including audit, assurance, and technology enablement. As the role of AI has become central to EY’s operations, it has found a home in India where innovation is at the forefront. Ajay Anand, Global Vice Chair of EY GDS, states, “I feel passionate about what we can build here as it has gone from providing standalone services to end-to-end support. This is the hub for innovation as the AI platforms of EY are being built in India.”
EY GDS’s commitment to AI goes beyond merely adopting the technology it’s about empowering its team to leverage it effectively. With AI and generative AI now at the core of EY’s priorities, the unit has made significant strides in upskilling its workforce. A staggering 25,000 GDS employees have earned an ‘AI badge’, marking their proficiency in AI technologies. These efforts are already yielding tangible results, particularly in the field of risk assessment, where AI has cut processing times from a week to just a single day. This efficiency has significantly improved client contract renewal rates, demonstrating the value that AI brings to the table, not just as a tool for automation, but as a means of delivering exceptional client outcomes.
As EY’s GDS unit continues to push boundaries, it’s also shaping the future of leadership within the firm. India has become a center of leadership for EY, with several global leaders now based in the country. Anand notes, “Some of the leaders for EY globally are actually based in GDS.” The GDS unit’s evolution into a leadership hub underscores its growing importance in EY’s global strategy and its ability to nurture future leaders in the field of technology.
Looking ahead, EY GDS’s roadmap for India is both ambitious and promising. The firm plans to hire over 20,000 technologists in the coming years, with an emphasis on hiring talent in Tier II cities to further expand its technological capabilities. As Anand aptly puts it, “This (India) is the place where innovation and technology development (LLM, analytics, and big data) is happening, especially in AI.” India’s role as a leading player in AI development is undeniable, and EY is not just witnessing this change it’s actively shaping it.
With AI and technology at the heart of its operations, EY’s Global Delivery Services unit in India is positioned to lead the charge in driving global innovation. This remarkable transformation is not just about embracing change but about being at the forefront of it. As EY continues to build its AI-driven future, India will remain its cornerstone for growth, innovation, and leadership.
