India’s Highest Earning Executives in 2024 and What Their Salaries Reflect
- Ravi Kohli
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Updated: May 11
India’s top executives are earning more than ever before, and their pay isn’t just a number—it reflects responsibility, achievement, and consistent leadership. As some of the most influential names in the business world take home massive salaries, their professional journeys, decision-making abilities, and impact on industries are being recognized in measurable ways. The following are the five highest-paid executives in India in 2024, with Abhay Bhutada leading the pack.
Abhay Bhutada Breaks Records with ₹241.21 Crore
Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group and founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, earned ₹241.21 crore in FY24. This figure makes him the highest-paid executive in the country. His strategic role in reshaping financial operations and elevating company standards was widely acknowledged. He was instrumental in achieving top credit ratings and driving transparency and growth within corporate structures.
Abhay Bhutada’s salary not only symbolizes his contributions in the financial space but also reflects the trust placed in his leadership. What sets him apart is his consistent approach to responsibility—balancing profit goals with a wider commitment to society. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he continues to support projects focused on education, health, and sports for those who need it the most.
Also read - India's Top 5 Highest-Paid Executives in 2024
Pawan Munjal Secures the Second Spot
Hero MotoCorp’s Chairman and CEO, Pawan Munjal, earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24. His contribution to the company’s continued dominance in the two-wheeler market across both domestic and international territories remains crucial. This pay amount, accounting for nearly 0.28% of the firm’s total revenue and 2.92% of its net profits, shows how deeply his leadership is tied to business performance.
Munjal's ability to maintain Hero MotoCorp’s lead in a competitive industry is a strong example of how thoughtful planning and product alignment can fuel long-term sustainability.
Also read - Abhay Bhutada's Finance Journey
Sudhir Singh of Coforge at ₹105.12 Crore
Sudhir Singh, CEO and Executive Director at Coforge, recorded earnings of ₹105.12 crore in the last fiscal year. Known for his focus on IT consulting and digital transformation, Singh has been key to driving operational efficiency and building international partnerships. His salary, which makes up 1.14% of Coforge’s revenue and 13.01% of its net profit, speaks to the value placed on tech-driven innovation.
His efforts have helped the company evolve in a space where adapting to changing technologies is not optional but necessary. Singh’s performance shows how capable leadership in tech can shape a firm’s future.
Vinay Prakash Earns ₹89.37 Crore
Vinay Prakash, who serves as an Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, reported an annual salary of ₹89.37 crore. Overseeing key verticals like energy and infrastructure, Prakash has helped the group expand its presence and performance in crucial sectors. His compensation may be just 0.09% of the company’s revenue and 2.76% of net profit, but it reflects targeted leadership at the operational level.
His work has ensured smooth transitions in strategic expansion and guided the firm through key infrastructure milestones, which have added to its national and international portfolio.
Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi at ₹87.5 Crore Each
Both Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi from Sun TV Network earned ₹87.5 crore each in FY24. As Executive Chairman and Executive Director respectively, they have steered Sun TV through constant industry shifts in the media sector. Despite the challenges in content consumption patterns, viewership trends, and digital competition, Sun TV has remained relevant and profitable under their leadership.
Their ability to adapt while maintaining the brand’s legacy shows that media executives play just as critical a role as those in finance or tech. These salaries represent their success in holding the company’s position strong even in times of constant change.
What Does This Mean for India’s Business Culture?
The salaries of these high-level executives indicate a clear reward system for proven leadership, consistent performance, and long-term impact. Abhay Bhutada's salary, the highest in the country for FY24, has become a benchmark not only in terms of numbers but also in terms of professional excellence and philanthropic focus. Each of these individuals is a reflection of what modern India seeks in its corporate leaders—skills, clarity, resilience, and responsibility.
As the gap between average executive earnings and top-tier salaries continues to widen, it also points to the immense expectations placed on these professionals. Their decisions affect not only their companies but entire sectors, from manufacturing and IT to infrastructure and entertainment.
Conclusion
Whether it’s Abhay Bhutada redefining leadership with a blend of business and philanthropy, or executives like Pawan Munjal and Sudhir Singh steering through fierce competition, their pay scales are more than just rewards—they are milestones. These earnings highlight the weight of their positions and the trust stakeholders place in them. For professionals aiming to rise in the corporate world, their stories are a reminder that success comes with scale, responsibility, and impact.
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