The 2025 GBS Location Shuffle: Strategic Moves Backed by Data
This session will spotlight the regions that are gaining ground, which legacy hubs are holding firm, and how sourcing models are reshaping global footprints.
RegisterLocation is back on the GBS agenda, only this time the conversation is being driven by inflation, AI ready talent, and geopolitics, rather than pure wage arbitrage. In our brand new research: GBS Location Strategy Update 2025, SSON Research & Analytics re surveyed the market to unpack how GBS location priorities have shifted since 2023. This session will spotlight the regions that are gaining ground, which legacy hubs are holding firm, and how sourcing models are reshaping global footprints.
Why you should attend
- See the trendlines, not just the headlines. Cost remains the #1 selection driver, but technology risk has leap frogged workforce scarcity (26% vs 14% two years ago), while talent concerns have almost halved (41% → 22%).
- Understand who’s moving, and why. Roughly a third of GBS leaders have already reviewed or changed locations because of political volatility, and nearly half are opting to scale existing hubs rather than green field new ones.
- Spot the emerging plays. Survey respondents name Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Uruguay, the Caribbean and several Balkan states as serious contenders that were barely on the radar two years ago.
- Benchmark your own growth model. Only 25% plan to add more centers this year – down from 34% in 2023.
- Ask the analysts. Bring your questions for a live Q&A throughout the session.
Who should attend: GBS, shared services and enterprise transformation leaders, strategy and location expansion teams, BPO and site selection executives.
Format: 30 minute analyst briefing + 15 minute live Q&A.
The next location shuffle, which started some years back, continues in full swing; make sure you’re moving for the right reasons.
Speakers:
Tom Bangemann
Head of Data, Development & Research
SSON Research & Analytics
Tom Bangemann has decades of experience in services delivery models, specifically with GBS, benchmarking, and KPI models, and today leads SSON Research & Analytics’ Data Development & Research. In his role, he guides the strategic direction of SSON R&A's surveys, analyses, and reports, and interprets the data for SSON R&A subscribers, providing unmatched insights to the international shared services and GBS community. Tom previously worked for The Hackett Group for 19 years. He is a senior advisor with profound experience in delivery, sales, business development and international consulting and was named “HR Superstar” by HRO Magazine 5 times between 2005-2019. He acts as a mentor and SSON advisor to industry executives, and has mentored up to the level of CHRO of a US$ 1bn listed company. Tom regularly speaks at SSON events, sharing trends and data points from SSON R&A’s research. He has chaired GBS and outsourcing events in Europe, for the Arab market and in China. In 2010, Tom was voted "Thought Leader of the Year" by SSON.
Barbara Hodge
Principal Analyst & Global Editor
SSON Research & Analytics
Barbara Hodge is the Global Editor at SSON Research & Analytics, where she leverages over 20 years of industry experience. Renowned for her extensive network, Barbara connects with key industry leaders and innovators, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. She spearheads the research report series and leads other initiatives to provide cutting-edge insights and trends in shared services. Barbara's strategic vision and editorial experience have significantly elevated SSON R&A's global prescence, making it a premier resource for industry professionals. Her dedication to industry advancement and her ability to inspire thought leadership make her a pivotal figure in the shared services community.
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