Financial Times · 13 Sep, 05:40 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

PwC shakes up Indian operations as AI threat looms over consulting sector

PwC is restructuring its Indian operations amid growing concerns that artificial intelligence will significantly disrupt the consulting industry.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

PwC is restructuring its Indian operations amid growing concerns that artificial intelligence will significantly disrupt the consulting industry. This strategic shift reflects broader sector-wide anxieties regarding automation’s impact on traditional advisory roles. The move signals a pivotal moment for professional services firms, which are now actively redefining their workforce requirements to integrate AI capabilities. For professionals, this highlights an urgent need to adapt to evolving technological landscapes. The restructuring underscores the transition from manual, process-driven consulting to more strategic, tech-enabled advisory models, fundamentally altering career trajectories within major global firms.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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You must pivot immediately towards high-value strategic skills that AI cannot easily replicate. Focus on developing expertise in AI strategy and data interpretation, as these areas will drive future consulting engagements. Traditional process-heavy roles are at risk, so you should actively seek projects involving digital transformation and complex problem-solving. Upskill in artificial intelligence applications to remain relevant, ensuring you can leverage these tools rather than compete against them. Engage in continuous learning to understand how AI integrates with business operations. Prioritise leadership capabilities that emphasise human-centric decision-making. By positioning yourself at the intersection of technology and strategy, you secure your career against automation threats and align with the evolving demands of top-tier consulting firms.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

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