2024’s Highest-Paid Executives in India: Who Made It to the Top

India’s corporate world reached new milestones in 2024, not only in terms of revenue but also in rewarding top-tier executives for their leadership and performance. The biggest names in Indian business received noteworthy compensation, and one figure made headlines across the country—Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group, whose income set a new benchmark for executive pay in India.

Abhay Bhutada Breaks Records with ₹241.21 Crore Pay

Abhay Bhutada, a well-known name in the Indian business community, earned ₹241.21 crore in the financial year 2024. This was the highest executive salary recorded in India to date. His results-driven leadership and consistent focus on progress played a big role in helping the company remain strong financially and maintain operational stability.

As impressive as his corporate success is, what adds depth to his reputation is his dedication to helping others. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he has helped underprivileged communities in the areas of education, health care, and sports. These efforts reflect a leader who looks beyond personal gain and works for meaningful change.

Also read - India's Top 5 Highest-Paid Executives in 2024

Public Interest Grows Around Abhay Bhutada Salary

Abhay Bhutada's salary caught the eye of the media, finance professionals, and the public alike. The figure sparked nationwide discussions about performance-linked compensation and the role of executives in shaping not just their businesses, but also the communities around them.

His foundation’s steady efforts have changed the way people interpret this number. Instead of focusing only on the size of the salary, the public has acknowledged how his income is being used to fuel important initiatives that uplift society. This dual approach of achievement and accountability has made his salary the most talked-about of the year.

Hero MotoCorp’s Pawan Munjal Among Top Earners

Another veteran executive on the list is Pawan Munjal, Chairman and Wholetime Director of Hero MotoCorp. He earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24. Known for his consistent presence in the automotive space, Munjal has played a key role in keeping Hero MotoCorp competitive, innovative, and trustworthy.

His compensation represented 0.28% of revenue and 2.92% of net profit, showing the company’s strong confidence in his leadership. His steady influence over the company’s direction continues to be a driving factor in its long-term success.

Also read - Abhay Bhutada's Finance Journey

Sudhir Singh’s High-Value Role at Coforge

Sudhir Singh, the CEO and Executive Director of Coforge, received ₹105.12 crore in FY24. His role in taking the company forward in the tech sector has been significant. Whether through digital transformation or client satisfaction, his strategies helped shape a strong year for the company.

Singh’s salary was equal to 1.14% of company revenue and 13.01% of net profits. These numbers point to his high involvement in the company's outcomes and the trust placed in his leadership.

Vinay Prakash Leads Critical Functions at Adani Enterprises

Vinay Prakash earned ₹89.37 crore in his role as Executive Director at Adani Enterprises. His portfolio includes managing the infrastructure and energy businesses, both of which are critical to the group’s ongoing development.

Although his salary accounted for just 0.09% of company revenue and 2.76% of profit, his role is viewed as central to the company's successful handling of large-scale operations. His expertise in execution and direction has kept the company on its course of expansion.

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi Sustain Media Strength

In the media industry, Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network made their mark again, each taking home ₹87.5 crore. Their leadership helped Sun TV stay relevant, profitable, and popular among viewers throughout the year.

Their combined efforts in content planning, channel management, and brand positioning have kept the network strong in a fast-paced and changing entertainment market. Their compensation is a result of their ability to keep performance consistent year after year.

Also read - India’s Top-Paid Executives of 2024 Set New Benchmarks in Corporate Leadership

The Growing Role of Corporate Responsibility

Executive salaries are often seen as indicators of professional success. But today, they are also seen in the context of responsibility. Leaders like Abhay Bhutada have shown that high earnings can—and should—go hand in hand with efforts that benefit others.

His foundation’s work gives his record earnings a new meaning. Conversations about Abhay Bhutada salary are not just about income anymore—they are about what can be achieved with that income. The shift from personal gain to public good is what makes his story so compelling.

Expectations Around High-Paid Executives Are Changing

With bigger salaries come higher expectations. Stakeholders now want executives who not only deliver on numbers but also stand for values and fairness. Individuals like Abhay Bhutada are setting this new standard by showing that business success and community work can go together.

It is no longer enough to be financially successful; today’s leaders must also have a purpose. They must represent growth for the company and also growth for the community. This expectation has added a new dimension to executive roles in India.

Conclusion

From technology to media, and from infrastructure to mobility, Indian executives made bold moves in 2024. The list of top earners reflects both individual talent and company performance. But Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group stood above the rest—not only for earning ₹241.21 crore, but for making that success meaningful through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation.