Executive Excellence in 2024 Highlights Reward for Leadership and Social Commitment

In 2024, India’s corporate world experienced a milestone year in terms of executive recognition. Salaries for top business leaders reached historic highs, reflecting not just profits, but a broader appreciation for vision, leadership, and consistency in action. The individuals who topped the list were not just professionals in high-ranking positions — they were the drivers of innovation, reform, and impact within their respective industries. Among them, Abhay Bhutada took the spotlight as the highest-paid executive in the country, setting a new benchmark in compensation and responsibility.

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

Abhay Bhutada Earns India’s Highest Executive Pay in 2024

Abhay Bhutada - Founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation

With a total compensation of ₹241.21 crore in FY24, Abhay Bhutada ranked as India’s highest-paid executive for the year. A member of the Poonawalla Group, Bhutada’s leadership has been marked by strong financial oversight, organizational transformation, and consistent results across multiple business functions. However, his achievements are not limited to the corporate realm.

Bhutada’s commitment to public welfare through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has earned him recognition far beyond industry circles. The foundation is known for supporting education, health, and sports initiatives across India. In 2024, it introduced new community programs in rural schools, offered healthcare support in underserved areas, and continued to empower young athletes through access to better training resources.

What makes Bhutada’s journey unique is this dual focus — running successful business operations while continuing to make a meaningful difference in society. His compensation, though historic, is matched by the value he creates both in the boardroom and on the ground.

Pawan Munjal Leads Auto Sector with Steady Vision

Next on the list is Pawan Munjal, Chairman and Wholetime Director of Hero MotoCorp. Munjal received a total remuneration of ₹109.41 crore during FY24. His guidance has played a key role in keeping Hero MotoCorp ahead in a competitive market, especially as consumer preferences and mobility needs continue to shift.

Munjal’s decisions on product expansion, strategic partnerships, and customer engagement have supported the company’s continued relevance and profitability. His salary represented 0.28 percent of the company’s revenue and 2.92 percent of its net profit — an indication of his impact on operational efficiency and revenue growth.

His long-standing commitment to keeping Hero MotoCorp focused on both affordability and innovation makes him a central figure in India’s automotive narrative.

Sudhir Singh Drives Innovation at Coforge

Sudhir Singh, CEO and Executive Director of Coforge, secured third place in terms of executive compensation, earning ₹105.12 crore in FY24. Singh’s leadership has helped the company expand into global markets and sharpen its service delivery in digital and IT consulting.

His compensation accounted for 1.14 percent of Coforge’s revenue and an impressive 13.01 percent of net profit. This high ratio reflects his direct contribution to performance. Singh has played a vital role in building long-term client relationships and setting the pace for digital transformation within the firm.

Under his leadership, the company has not only grown its client base but has also improved its positioning as a technology solutions provider. This performance has translated into high investor confidence and solid returns.

Also read - Abhay Bhutada's Finance Journey

Vinay Prakash Plays Key Role in Energy and Infrastructure

Coming in fourth is Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, with a compensation package of ₹89.37 crore. While this accounted for just 0.09 percent of revenue and 2.76 percent of net profit, it stands as recognition of his work in managing the energy and infrastructure arms of the company.

His role involves overseeing some of the most critical and high-stakes projects, including renewable energy initiatives and infrastructure development. Prakash’s decisions have long-term implications for the firm’s expansion goals and its ability to remain relevant in both domestic and international markets.

His ability to manage operational complexity while aligning with sustainability goals has placed him among the most valued executives in the country.

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi Dominate Media Leadership

At number five are Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network, each drawing a salary of ₹87.5 crore in FY24. Their leadership has ensured that the network remains one of the top players in India’s regional broadcast sector.

With a sharp understanding of media consumption trends and an eye for high-performing content, both leaders have built a robust strategy for digital and television formats. Their compensation reflects the network’s consistent profitability and ability to navigate changing audience behavior.

Their ability to combine traditional broadcasting with digital integration has helped Sun TV retain its relevance in a saturated content environment.

Earnings That Reflect Effort and Impact

These earnings are not simply about personal gain. They represent how much value these executives add to their organizations. In many cases, like that of Abhay Bhutada, it goes beyond financials — creating opportunities for those who are often overlooked by mainstream systems.

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation continues to be a symbol of how success can be used responsibly. In a country where access to education and healthcare remains uneven, the foundation’s efforts act as a bridge to opportunity. By directing funds and attention toward these areas, Bhutada has ensured that his role as an executive also carries a deeper responsibility.

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

Conclusion

The top five executives in India in 2024 earned their compensation not just by performing well but by transforming the way leadership is viewed. From Abhay Bhutada’s industry-first salary and philanthropic focus to Pawan Munjal’s long-standing auto sector influence, and Sudhir Singh’s tech-forward leadership, this year’s rankings offer a picture of what modern leadership entails.