India’s Top CEOs and Executives: The Leaders Who Drive Growth in 2024

India’s business world continues to see remarkable success thanks to visionary leadership, with several executives seeing their remuneration packages reflect the significant impact they've had on their companies. These leaders have successfully guided their organizations through competitive landscapes, boosting revenue and profit. Let’s explore the stories of the highest-paid CEOs and executives in India as of March 2024.

Abhay Bhutada – Founder with a Lasting Legacy

Abhay Bhutada, the founder and chairman of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, is a key figure in the Indian finance sector. Although he no longer holds an active role at Poonawalla Fincorp, his leadership remains integral to the company’s past success. Bhutada earned Rs 241.21 crore as of 2024, which accounted for a significant portion of Poonawalla Fincorp’s net profit (14.33%). His contributions to both the financial world and his philanthropic ventures have established him as a respected business leader.

Naveen Jindal – Championing Jindal Steel & Power

Naveen Jindal, Executive Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power, has been an influential figure in the steel industry. Jindal earned Rs 84.995 crore in 2024, with his leadership playing an essential role in Jindal Steel’s success. Despite his remuneration accounting for only 0.04% of the company’s revenue, Jindal’s vision and ability to drive innovation have made Jindal Steel a top player in India’s steel production sector.

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Arnob Roy – Driving Tejas Networks to Profitable Growth

Arnob Roy, Whole Time Director and COO of Tejas Networks, has been instrumental in guiding the company’s telecom equipment business to impressive profitability. Roy earned Rs 76.82 crore in 2024, with his compensation reflecting the company’s growth. His strategic decisions have helped Tejas Networks significantly enhance its profitability, with his compensation constituting an exceptional 121.98% of the company’s net profit.

Sandeep Kalra – The Leader Behind Persistent Systems’ IT Success

Sandeep Kalra, Executive Director & CEO of Persistent Systems, has been crucial in driving the company’s growth in the IT consulting industry. Kalra earned Rs 76.59 crore in 2024, reflecting his strategic direction. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing Persistent Systems as one of the key players in the IT consulting space, contributing to the company’s growth and profitability.

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Sajjan Jindal – JSW Steel’s Visionary Leader

Sajjan Jindal, Chairman & Managing Director of JSW Steel, has overseen the company’s transformation into one of India’s largest steel producers. Earning Rs 73.39 crore in 2024, Jindal’s salary represents a small portion of JSW Steel’s revenue (0.04%) and net profit (0.83%). However, his leadership has been key to the company’s success, driving its expansion and solidifying its position in the steel industry.

Salil S. Parekh – Leading Infosys into the Future

Salil S. Parekh, Managing Director and CEO of Infosys, has steered the company to continued growth in the IT consulting sector. Parekh earned Rs 66.25 crore in 2024, and though his compensation represents a small fraction of Infosys’s revenue (0.04%) and net profit (0.25%), his leadership is vital to the company’s ongoing success in a competitive market. Under his guidance, Infosys remains one of the world’s leading IT firms.

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Conclusion

These executives continue to make a remarkable impact on their industries, with their impressive remunerations highlighting their critical roles in shaping the success of their respective companies. Their leadership will continue to influence India’s business landscape in the years to come.