Info Edge Shockwave: Jatin Thukral Named Chief AI Scientist—Is This the Dawn of AI Dominance in Indian Job Portals?

In a bold move that could redefine the future of online job platforms in India, Info Edge has elevated Jatin Thukral to Chief AI Scientist and Chief Product Officer of Naukri. This strategic shake-up comes as the company doubles down on its AI-first approach, signaling that artificial intelligence is no longer just a supporting tool—it’s now the engine driving growth, innovation, and monetisation across the company’s sprawling portfolio.

Info Edge, which powers India’s leading job portal Naukri.com along with platforms like IIMJobs, Hirist, and NaukriGulf, has been steadily ramping up its AI capabilities. The company’s FY25 annual report revealed a 15–20% improvement in key business metrics thanks to enterprise-wide AI adoption. From search and personalization to advanced analytics, AI has begun transforming how millions of users interact with its platforms daily. With Thukral at the helm, Info Edge is preparing for the next big leap in AI-driven innovation.

“Info Edge is increasingly focusing on technology, data, and platform innovation by investing in AI/ML and personalisation to make its platforms smarter, scalable, and more human-centric,” the company stated. And Thukral, with his proven track record in product strategy and AI integration, is the perfect person to translate this vision into reality.

Under his leadership, the company plans to expand the application of generative AI and automation, aiming to unlock entirely new monetisation avenues. Among the initiatives leading the charge are AI-led products like Naukri 360 and AI-Rex, designed to deliver personalized job recommendations, smarter hiring insights, and predictive analytics that can revolutionize the way candidates and employers interact.

The AI team at Info Edge, which numbered 130 at the end of FY25, is poised for further expansion, as the company bets heavily on generative AI to drive both user engagement and revenue. Analysts suggest that Info Edge’s integration of AI across its platforms could set a benchmark for India’s digital employment ecosystem, potentially influencing competitors and startups to adopt similar strategies.

But the organizational overhaul doesn’t stop with Thukral’s promotion. Nimish Kulshrestha, formerly Executive Vice President for Product Development, has been redesignated as Chief Business Officer for IIMJobs, Hirist, and NaukriGulf, overseeing the commercial growth of these platforms. Shail Gaurav, Executive Vice President for Marketing, is now Chief Business Officer for Naukri 360 and Head of B2C Marketing. Meanwhile, Atul Kumar will step down from senior management status following the reorganization.

Experts say this restructuring is more than just a shuffle of titles—it’s a clear signal that Info Edge is aligning its business operations with a technology-first mindset. “This is a defining moment for Info Edge,” said a market analyst. “By placing AI at the center of its strategy and giving leaders like Thukral the autonomy to drive innovation, the company is positioning itself as not just a job portal but a data-driven, AI-powered employment ecosystem.”

Thukral’s elevation is expected to accelerate the development of next-gen AI solutions across Info Edge’s platforms. Naukri 360, for instance, is poised to become more than a recruitment product—it’s being transformed into a comprehensive AI-led career ecosystem. AI-Rex, meanwhile, aims to leverage advanced analytics to deliver insights for recruiters, making hiring faster, smarter, and more efficient than ever before.

The move comes at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping industries across the globe. From generative AI in content creation to predictive analytics in healthcare, businesses that integrate AI into core operations are reporting exponential growth and competitive advantages. Info Edge’s strategic pivot ensures it stays ahead of the curve, capitalizing on AI trends while delivering tangible benefits to millions of users.

For job seekers, this could mean more personalized job recommendations, predictive career insights, and a smoother hiring journey. For employers, AI-driven tools could revolutionize recruitment workflows, reduce hiring time, and improve candidate quality. And for Info Edge, the integration of AI could unlock new revenue streams while solidifying its position as India’s leading employment platform.

Jatin Thukral’s appointment as Chief AI Scientist and Naukri Chief Product Officer is more than a corporate announcement—it’s a statement. Info Edge is signaling to the market that AI isn’t optional; it’s the future. With a restructured leadership team and a growing AI workforce, the company is poised to redefine what’s possible in India’s recruitment ecosystem. Whether it’s smarter job recommendations, predictive hiring analytics, or AI-led monetisation strategies, the next chapter for Info Edge promises innovation, growth, and disruption.