Internet company Info Edge has elevated Jain Thukral, EVP and head data scientist to the role of chief AI scientist and chief product officer of its flagship platform Naukri. In an exchange filing today, the company said that the elevation is part of a strategic realignment to accelerate its AI-first product innovation and enhance the value it delivers to its users.

Thukral joined Info Edge as an EVP in 2020 and has been helming the “AI lab” of Naukri and data science teams of 99acres, Jeevansathi and Shiksha since. Prior to his stint with the Sanjeev Bikhchandani-led company, he headed data science research for ecommerce major Flipkart for about one and a half years.

A PhD from ETH Zurich and CFA charterholder, Thukral has nearly two decades of experience across AI, machine learning, and business strategy. He has also worked with companies BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and ETH Zurich since 2005.

The appointment of a new chief AI officer comes at a time when the company is actively deepening its focus on AI, positioning it as a core growth driver across business verticals.

In its FY25 annual report, the company said that it achieved 15-20% improvement in its key metrics on the back of scaling up enterprise-wide AI adoption .

Its AI strategy centres on enhancing search and personalisation, developing new AI-led products, and improving internal efficiency. Products like Naukri 360, AI-Rex, and data-driven analytics exemplify this shift. At the end of FY25, it had a team of 130 AI scientists and engineers.

Leveraging proprietary data and financial strength, Info Edge plans to further integrate GenAI and automation to unlock new monetisation avenues and solidify long-term competitiveness.

“Info Edge is increasingly focusing on technology, data and platform innovation by investing in AI/ML. Products and personalisation, making its platforms smarter, scalable and more human-centric,” it said.

Besides appointing its first chief AI scientist, Info Edge also elevated EVP and head of product Nimish Kulshrestha to CBO for IIMJobs, Hirist, and NaukriGulf. It also named Naukri 360 CBO Shail Gaurav as its new head of B2C marketing.

Outside of investing in AI to improve its internal functions, the company has also made several AI-focused investments, including a seed round in Pascal AI Labs, a fintech SaaS startup automating investment research workflows, and a INR 120 Mn infusion into Zwayam Digital, which uses AI to enhance digital recruitment tools.

Portfolio company Attentive.ai also continued to show strong growth, attracting follow-on funding from marquee investors.

The company’s newly approved INR 1,000 Cr third venture fund will continue to back startups in AI, SaaS, and deeptech via vehicles like Redstart Labs.

Shares of the company closed 0.2% lower at INR 1379.25 on BSE today.

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