India’s Most Talked-About Executive Salaries in 2024

Not every year do executive paychecks become a topic of national discussion. But 2024 was different. A select group of corporate leaders earned compensation packages so significant that they drew attention from business watchers, employees, and the public alike. These numbers weren’t just about personal income—they highlighted the changing expectations from those at the top.

This list includes names from across sectors—finance, auto, IT, infrastructure, and media. While their fields may differ, the one thing they share is a reputation for driving results, managing teams effectively, and keeping their companies competitive and relevant.

Abhay Bhutada tops the earnings chart

Abhay Bhutada - Founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation

Leading the list is Abhay Bhutada, who received ₹241.21 crore in FY24. Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, is credited with building a culture of steady progress, sound governance, and trust during his leadership years. His work helped secure strong credit ratings and financial consistency.

Abhay Bhutada's salary isn’t just the largest in India this year—it’s a marker of his professional journey. He also leads philanthropic efforts through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, which supports learning access, health infrastructure, and sports initiatives for underserved communities. His position at the top shows how modern corporate recognition blends business impact with societal contribution.

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

Pawan Munjal earns ₹109.41 crore while leading Hero MotoCorp

With ₹109.41 crore, Pawan Munjal claimed the second position among India’s highest-paid executives. His leadership has kept Hero MotoCorp at the forefront of the two-wheeler segment. Even as the industry faced changes in consumer habits and global supply shifts, Munjal ensured that operations remained stable and productive.

His compensation represented 0.28 percent of the company’s revenue and nearly 3 percent of net profits. The numbers point to a long-standing faith in his leadership and his consistent delivery of results year after year.

Sudhir Singh’s efforts reflect in Coforge’s rise

Sudhir Singh, the CEO and Executive Director at Coforge, made ₹105.12 crore in FY24. Singh has helped the company scale up as a competitive technology service provider, especially in digital adoption, automation, and global delivery.

With earnings that form 1.14 percent of company revenue and more than 13 percent of its profits, Singh’s role is closely tied to Coforge’s success. He’s helped create operational value while strengthening the company’s long-term contracts and client relations.

Also read - Abhay Bhutada's Finance Journey

Vinay Prakash contributes ₹89.37 crore in Leadership Value

Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, earned ₹89.37 crore. His responsibilities include overseeing the infrastructure and energy wings of the organization—sectors where scale and timely execution are both essential. Prakash has led several important project rollouts and operational expansions.

Though his compensation stands at just 0.09 percent of the company’s revenue, his work has had a direct impact on strategic growth and delivery schedules.

Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi earn recognition at Sun TV

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi each earned ₹87.5 crore for their roles at Sun TV Network. As long-time leaders of the media brand, they have successfully balanced legacy broadcasting with the newer demands of digital platforms. Under their direction, the company has remained profitable and continued to dominate its key markets.

Their compensation reflects the value of stable, long-term media management in a space that’s increasingly facing disruption and transformation.

Executive performance and Public Responsibility go hand in hand

In today's business world, being at the top involves more than hitting financial targets. Abhay Bhutada’s salary highlights this point—it signals recognition for effective leadership and consistent contribution, but also for social investment. His work through the foundation adds depth to what being a corporate leader means today.

Executives like Pawan Munjal and Sudhir Singh also show that decision-making is not just about internal goals. It affects investors, customers, partners, and the broader economic environment. Their results show the value of being thoughtful, measured, and forward-looking.

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

Salary growth is a reflection of evolving roles

There is a noticeable shift in how compensation is structured. Boards now reward individuals who bring value through long-term thinking, flexibility, and the ability to guide teams through rapid change. The names on this list represent that shift—executives who adapt, respond, and plan effectively.

These leaders are helping their companies face competition, regulatory change, and global uncertainty. Their salaries may seem large, but they are a measure of how central their roles have become to overall business outcomes.

Conclusion

2024’s list of highest-paid executives tells us more than who earned the most. It shows which traits are most respected in the Indian corporate space today: accountability, strategic clarity, community focus, and operational strength.

Abhay Bhutada leads with both the highest figure and a foundation that gives back. Others on this list bring equally important qualities to their roles, shaping the direction and strength of India’s key industries.

As executive responsibilities expand, so too does the recognition for those who lead with purpose and consistency. These compensation figures, while impressive, are ultimately a reflection of earned trust.