With the government taking steps to clear the decks for 100 percent FDI in single brand and 51 percent in multi-brand retail, big bucks await top talent in the retail industry if foreign direct investment (FDI) reforms in the sector stay on track. Many retailers have hastened their employee stock option (ESOP) plans even as international brands work on doling out phantom stocks, or stock appreciation rights, to retain senior executives.

Headhunters said retail will be the biggest trigger for job creation in 2012, reminiscent of the push provided by the consumer finance and telecom in the early years of the last decade. The world's top retailers including Walmart and Tesco may tap expat professionals in their global system as they make a direct entry, even as they pile up pressure on smaller regional players. A few global fashion retailers like Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger and Benetton may face poaching from their international peers who will enter India. Some international brands are offering 'phantom stock' to incentivise their senior staff.

Source: The Economic Times