New Leadership Demands, Program Innovation, and the Role of Executive Search Firms

India’s higher education sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by significant national and international investment. The country is witnessing a surge in private universities, the expansion of global institutions, and an increasing focus on experiential and industry-aligned learning.

Alongside this growth, universities are embracing new learning models and cutting-edge infrastructure. The evolving landscape has heightened the need for skilled leadership, prompting executive search firms to play a crucial role in identifying and placing leaders who can navigate this transformation and drive institutional success.

National and Global Investment

“Education is no longer just a social sector. It is being looked upon as a very serious business,” commented Ram Iyer, Associate Director, Claricent Partners. Prominent corporate groups and large Indian conglomerates have established institutions, while many other prominent businesses are in the process of starting private universities. 

This shift reflects a broader trend in which education is viewed as an investment that brings commercial returns and positive social impact. “Universities play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, fostering international collaborations, and addressing global challenges,” shared Jeffrey Harris, founder and Managing Partner of Harris Search Associates. “Beyond their core mission of teaching and learning, they serve as hubs for scientific discovery, diplomacy, and economic growth.”  

In addition to large-scale national investment, several global universities are expanding into India. Deakin University and the University of Wollongong from Australia already have campuses in India, while Southampton University has recently launched operations in Delhi. Additionally, Rice University from Texas, USA has also just announced their strategic expansion with Rice Global India in Bengaluru.

The Evolution of Learning Models

With the surge in new institutions, there has been a shift in education approaches. Students now expect experiential learning, practical exposure, and global collaborations.

“Traditional higher education models focused on knowledge dissemination, while the modern approach emphasizes experiential and industry-aligned learning,” explained Ram Iyer, Associate Director, Claricent Partners. “Institutions are integrating internships and real-world projects, mirroring global best practices in business and professional education.”

The expansion of hybrid and digital learning, which peaked during the pandemic, continues to evolve. Online learning is still popular for professional certifications and executive education, while demand for virtual-only full-time degree programs has waned. The renewed interest in in-person learning has put further pressure on institutions to build expansive campuses. 

The Growing Demand for Non-Academic Leadership

A key shift in the sector is the growing emphasis on non-academic leadership roles. As universities aim to build world-class institutions to meet student demand, they require strong administrative, technological and operational leadership. Non-academic roles—such as Administrative Officers, Registrars, and Chief Architects—are becoming equally important, in addition to Chief Technology Officers and Chief Legal Officers.

Institutions are also competing for global and national rankings, seeking accreditation from QS, NAAC, and NIRF to establish their credibility. Jeffrey Harris, Founder and Managing Partner of Harris Search Associates, shared just how crucial rankings are for success, “Competition among institutions is intense, and rankings are viewed as marks of prestige, impacting research funding, industry collaborations, and private philanthropic support.” 

The Role of Executive Search Firms 

The need for sophisticated infrastructure, effective administration, and visionary leadership has given rise to executive search firms with specialist capabilities in higher education.

“There’s a shift in how institutions are hiring leadership talent,” Ram Iyer, Associate Director, Claricent Partners explained. “Universities are not just looking for academic rigor but also business acumen. They need leaders who bring innovative learning experiences and long-term growth.”

The recruitment landscape is also shifting. Traditionally, Vice Chancellors and Deans were selected based on decades of proven experience. Today, younger leaders with a combination of academic expertise and business insight are taking on the top roles. Some Vice Chancellors in leading institutions are in their early 30s, reflecting a new era in university leadership. This is part of a wider trend towards skill-based hiring.

In addition, leading institutes are hiring non-academic executives for technology and operational roles. One notable placement by Claricent Partners involved recruiting a software leader for a tech institute — an entirely new role created to drive digital transformation.

Ewa Kuszelewski, Partner at Michaël Berglund Executive Search, commented, “The rise of higher education executive search in India reflects the tremendous value firms can provide as trusted advisors to institutions. In Sweden, while the focus remains on academic roles, the commonality is supporting long-term strategic agendas with exceptional talent. We are excited to see the continual evolution and growth of this sector around the world.”

The broad service offerings of executive search firms are also being increasingly recognized. Universities now engage search firms not just for candidate sourcing but for comprehensive assessment and strategic talent mapping. Institutions understand that while search firms charge a premium, they deliver targeted, high-impact results. 

“Executive search firms have become essential in higher education. Their expansive networks, data-driven strategies, and deep understanding of academic cultures allow them to streamline the hiring process and attract transformational leaders who align with institutional goals,” shared Jeffrey Harris, Founder and Managing Partner of Harris Search Associates.

International Talent and Future Growth

The demand for internationally-experienced talent is on the rise. Many Indian institutions are hiring international leaders, and returning Indian professionals are increasingly sought after. For example, one prestigious university hired an Australian academic to lead its School of Liberal Arts, while several other institutions have placed expat leaders to shape their global outlook. This trend aligns with India’s efforts to attract top talent and ensure its institutions meet international standards.

India’s higher education landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. With expanding private universities, global partnerships, and a shift toward experiential learning, the sector is poised for unprecedented growth. Executive search firms are at the heart of this evolution, ensuring institutions have the leadership necessary to thrive in this dynamic and competitive environment.

Lead Author

Ram Iyer
Associate Director
Claricent Partners

Contributors

Jeffrey Harris
Managing Partner
Harris Search Associates

Ewa Kuszelewski
Partner
Michaël Berglund

About IIC Partners

IIC Partners is a leading provider of executive search and leadership consulting services with a deep understanding of how market dynamics, changing demographics and new technologies are shaping the future of work. Our expert consultants, connected across 40 offices worldwide, partner with senior executives and board directors to transform businesses and solve complex leadership challenges. For more information, please visit www.iicpartners.com.