Top 10 Highest-Paid Executives in India for 2024

The year 2024 has witnessed significant growth in India’s corporate landscape, with top CEOs and executives being handsomely rewarded for their contributions. From the tech sector to media, these leaders have played pivotal roles in their organizations' profitability and growth. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-paid executives in India, each earning impressive salaries for their leadership and strategic decisions.

Abhay Bhutada: A Shifting Focus to Philanthropy

Abhay Bhutada, founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, previously held a prominent position at Poonawalla Fincorp. In 2024, he earned an eye-popping ₹241.21 crore. Although Bhutada is no longer affiliated with Poonawalla Fincorp, his past leadership during his tenure continues to influence the company’s success. His current focus is on philanthropic ventures through his foundation, where he continues to make a significant impact in a new arena.

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Pawan Munjal and Hero MotoCorp’s Global Presence

Pawan Munjal, Chairman & Wholetime Director of Hero MotoCorp, earned ₹109.41 crore in 2024. This compensation reflects his invaluable role in positioning Hero MotoCorp as a leader in the global two-wheeler market. Despite representing a small percentage of the company’s revenue, Munjal's leadership has been key to Hero MotoCorp's sustained growth.

Sudhir Singh’s Vision at Coforge

Sudhir Singh, CEO of Coforge, made ₹105.12 crore in 2024, with his earnings comprising 1.14% of the company’s revenue and 13.01% of its net profit. Singh's leadership in steering Coforge toward profitability in the IT consulting space is reflected in his remuneration, which speaks volumes about his contribution to the company’s performance.

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Vinay Prakash and Adani Enterprises’ Growth Trajectory

Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, earned ₹89.37 crore as of March 2024. His compensation, though a small fraction of the company’s total revenue, underscores his crucial role in driving the company’s growth across energy, infrastructure, and logistics sectors.

Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi’s Media Dominance

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network earned ₹87.5 crore each in 2024. Kalanithi Maran’s leadership has been instrumental in making Sun TV Network a dominant player in India’s media industry, while Kavery Kalanithi continues to guide the company forward, contributing to its continued success.

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A Shift Towards Performance-Based Compensation

In India, executive compensation is increasingly performance-driven, aligning leaders' pay with company performance. This trend highlights the growing transparency and accountability in how executives are rewarded. The leaders of these companies are not just compensated based on their title but on the value they create for their organizations, demonstrating a shift in how corporate leadership is viewed in India.