Top Company Executives and Their Salaries in 2024
- Ravi Kohli
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Updated: May 11
In 2024, executive compensation in India reached new heights, highlighting the increasing value placed on experienced leadership. As companies grow across various industries, top executives are being rewarded for their efforts in guiding businesses, making key decisions, and achieving performance goals. The financial year 2023–24 saw some notable figures take home massive paychecks, indicating the changing nature of executive roles. Here is a closer look at the top five highest-paid executives in India for the year.
Abhay Bhutada Takes the Top Spot with a Record Pay Package
At the top of the list is Abhay Bhutada, who earned ₹241.21 crore in FY24, making him the highest-paid executive in India this year. His remarkable earnings reflect years of dedication, discipline, and the ability to lead with clarity and confidence. Known for his structured approach and effective leadership style, Bhutada has delivered strong outcomes over time, contributing significantly to the growth of his business group.
What makes Bhutada’s story unique is not just the number associated with his pay but also his sense of social responsibility. He is the founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, which focuses on supporting underserved communities through programs in education, healthcare, and sports. His active involvement in philanthropy has been noted as a meaningful part of his career, reinforcing his public image as a leader who thinks beyond profits. Conversations around Abhay Bhutada salary have extended beyond business forums and made their way into national discussions.
Pawan Munjal’s Continued Influence in the Automotive Sector
Pawan Munjal, the Chairman and Wholetime Director of Hero MotoCorp, secured the second position by earning ₹109.41 crore in FY24. His long-standing role in the company has shaped Hero MotoCorp into one of the leading names in the Indian automobile industry. His focus on growth, quality, and customer satisfaction has helped the company stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
His earnings this year made up 0.28% of the firm’s revenue and 2.92% of its net profit. These numbers highlight how much faith the company places in his leadership. Munjal’s consistent presence in leadership rankings stems from his practical decision-making and ability to adapt to market changes without losing sight of the company’s core strengths.
Sudhir Singh Leads the Way in Tech and Consulting
Sudhir Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24. Under his leadership, Coforge has made major strides in IT consulting and digital transformation services. Singh has focused on innovation and expanding the company’s presence in domestic and global markets. His approach to combining technology with long-term client relationships has brought measurable growth.
His salary represented 1.14% of revenue and 13.01% of the company’s net profit. These figures show how important his role has been in improving performance and achieving milestones. Singh’s inclusion among the top five earners is proof that the tech sector values leadership that delivers consistent business outcomes while navigating a fast-paced environment.
Vinay Prakash Drives Key Projects at Adani Enterprises
Vinay Prakash earned ₹89.37 crore in FY24 while serving as Executive Director at Adani Enterprises. He has played a critical role in overseeing operations across the company’s energy and infrastructure divisions, which are both crucial for the company’s long-term goals. His involvement in major decisions and project execution reflects his importance within the organization.
His earnings made up 0.09% of Adani Enterprises’ revenue and 2.76% of its net profit. Although smaller than others on the list in percentage terms, his compensation still points to the key role he holds in supporting expansion and operational excellence. Prakash’s work has added stability to the company’s development, particularly in sectors that require detailed planning and sharp execution.
Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi Shape the Media Business
The fifth spot is shared by Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network, each of whom earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. As Executive Chairman and Executive Director, respectively, the duo has ensured that Sun TV maintains a strong hold in the broadcasting space. Their efforts in developing content strategies and leading organizational planning have helped the company remain relevant in an industry that is constantly evolving.
Their earnings reflect the continued profitability of Sun TV and the management team’s ability to keep the channel popular among viewers. With media trends shifting rapidly, their leadership has brought stability while embracing gradual innovation. Their success demonstrates that joint leadership, when executed well, can still lead to strong financial returns.
What These Earnings Say About Today’s Corporate Roles
The salaries earned by these executives offer insight into how corporate India is rewarding those who create measurable results. These figures are not just numbers—they reflect leadership, commitment, and the ability to manage large teams and complex businesses. Among all, Abhay Bhutada's salary stands out for being the highest and for the larger conversation it has sparked.
Leaders like Bhutada, Munjal, Singh, Prakash, and the Kalanithi duo show that when responsibility is matched with delivery, companies are willing to reward their top executives accordingly. Their earnings, though significant, are often linked directly to their outcomes and influence.
Conclusion
Executive pay in India has undergone a significant shift in 2024. Those who are leading companies successfully are being compensated in line with their results. In the case of Abhay Bhutada, the attention his salary has received is also tied to his values and public work. As the business world continues to move forward, these top executives remind us that capable leadership, when combined with purpose and performance, will always be recognised—and well rewarded.
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