By dubailife 
Zomato CEO Sparks Debate with Unique Chief of Staff Job Offer
In a bold and unconventional move, Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, has announced a job opening for a Chief of Staff position with a twist that has captivated both India and the Dubai business community. The offer, shared on social media, has sparked widespread debate for its unusual terms: the first year comes with no salary, but instead requires the candidate to pay a fee of Rs 2 million (Dh86,940).
The Opportunity of a Lifetime—or a Controversial Gamble?
Goyal described the role as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, offering what he claims to be “10x more learnings than a 2-year MBA from a top management school.” The candidate will help steer Zomato and its subsidiaries, including Blinkit, its quick delivery service, along with other verticals.
While the first year lacks a salary, Goyal assured that the position would include a minimum annual salary of Rs 5 million (Dh217,350) from the second year onward if all goes well.
Reactions Divide Opinion in India and Beyond
The announcement, which has garnered over five million views across LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), has drawn both praise and criticism.
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Supporters of the initiative argue that it offers unparalleled exposure and a learning experience that surpasses traditional education.
- Tech programmer Arnav Gupta commented: “If you’re looking for a career in management consulting/strategy, this is worth waaaay more.”
- Business enthusiasts in Dubai have also lauded the move as forward-thinking, especially in a market that thrives on innovative talent-building models.
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Critics, however, argue that it creates barriers for less privileged candidates.
- Aparna Mittal, a diversity and inclusion expert, remarked: “This looks like a case of the privileged creating opportunities for the privileged only.”
- Deepak Singh, formerly with Flipkart, shared: “Love the creativity, but it automatically excludes ambitious, hungry folks who don’t have that kind of money.”
A Strategic Play for Talent or Exclusivity?
Zomato, India’s largest food delivery platform, has become a global success story, rapidly expanding into quick commerce, a booming trend where groceries are delivered within 10 minutes. The company’s success has drawn parallels with Dubai’s own dynamic business ecosystem, which is similarly marked by high competition and innovation.
Zomato’s share price has doubled in 2024, valuing the company at over $28 billion, signaling its continued dominance in India and its influence globally, including potential opportunities in the Dubai market.
What Does This Mean for Future Talent?
While the position promises significant career growth, it raises questions about the accessibility of elite roles in today’s corporate landscape. As both India and Dubai focus on fostering talent and entrepreneurship, such initiatives might spark conversations on inclusivity and affordability in professional development opportunities.
Whether seen as an exclusive opportunity or a controversial challenge, this announcement has undeniably put Zomato—and its CEO—under the spotlight.
Source : Khaleejtimes