Leading Corporate Figures in India with Highest Rewards in 2024

The financial year 2024 brought with it a fresh look at how top executives in India are being compensated. Their salaries highlight not just impressive numbers but also the scale of responsibility and success they bring to their companies. This year, five names stood out for their contributions and recognition, with Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group taking the lead as the highest-paid executive in India’s corporate world.

Abhay Bhutada: Redefining Executive Earnings

Abhay Bhutada, associated with the Poonawalla Group, earned ₹241.21 crore in FY24—setting a new record in Indian executive compensation. His tenure as Managing Director and CEO of Poonawalla Fincorp was marked by remarkable achievements, including a CRISIL AAA rating and steady growth in financial performance.

Bhutada’s role in shaping the company’s future was central to this compensation. However, his efforts extend well beyond business. He runs the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, which supports students, healthcare programs, and sports development for underprivileged children. While the Abhay Bhutada salary is an attention-grabbing figure, the story behind it reveals an executive focused on both profit and purpose.

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

Pawan Munjal: Staying Steady at the Helm of Hero MotoCorp

Earning ₹109.41 crore in FY24, Pawan Munjal, Chairman and Wholetime Director of Hero MotoCorp, remains a central figure in the Indian automotive industry. His guidance has helped the brand maintain its leadership in the two-wheeler segment and navigate the growing competition in domestic and international markets.

His compensation equated to 0.28% of revenue and 2.92% of the company’s net profit. The numbers confirm the strong link between leadership and business outcomes in Munjal’s case, as Hero continues to innovate and stay relevant.

Sudhir Singh: Delivering Results at Coforge

Sudhir Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, was paid ₹105.12 crore this year. His leadership has been vital in driving the company's expansion in IT consulting and digital solutions. With a strong global footprint and a growing focus on digital transformation, Coforge has performed well under Singh’s guidance.

His compensation was equal to 1.14% of revenue and a high 13.01% of net profit, proving his leadership directly influenced the company’s bottom line. Singh’s position in this year’s top earners shows the increasing value placed on digital expertise and operational precision.

Also read - Abhay Bhutada's Finance Journey

Vinay Prakash: Guiding Adani’s Strategic Sectors

At Adani Enterprises, Vinay Prakash took home ₹89.37 crore as Executive Director. Overseeing key divisions like energy and infrastructure, he has played an essential role in the company’s expansion across these high-impact areas.

His salary represented 0.09% of the company’s revenue and 2.76% of its net profit. Though modest in percentage terms, it reflects the strategic importance of his leadership in shaping Adani’s future ventures and ensuring steady project execution.

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi: A Duo Shaping Media

Both Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network were paid ₹87.5 crore each. As Executive Chairman and Executive Director, they’ve led one of India’s most influential regional broadcasting networks, keeping it competitive even as streaming services gain popularity.

Their focus on content quality, brand partnerships, and regional dominance has kept Sun TV profitable. Their consistent performance and earnings affirm their role in driving the channel’s longevity and appeal.

Executive Compensation Trends in 2024

This year’s salary figures, especially the Abhay Bhutada salary, show that compensation is increasingly tied to outcomes and performance. Companies are more willing to reward leaders who not only deliver results but also take bold decisions in challenging situations.

It’s no longer just about seniority. It’s about accountability, innovation, and long-term planning. The executives featured here were compensated for their ability to align business vision with execution and for creating measurable value for stakeholders.

Diversity in Sector Representation

These executives come from a range of industries—financial services, automotive, IT, infrastructure, and media—showing that recognition isn’t limited to one sector. Each one has played a unique role in building sustainable business models.

Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group stands out not only for topping the list but also for bringing philanthropic values to the forefront through his foundation. His contributions in and outside the boardroom make him a figure of significance in the current business environment.

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

Conclusion

India’s highest-paid executives in 2024 are more than just top earners—they are professionals driving progress, setting benchmarks, and taking accountability. Whether it’s Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, or the Sun TV leadership, each has earned their place through determination and clarity of vision.

These compensation packages offer a peek into what modern leadership looks like—results-driven, socially aware, and focused on long-term growth. As the corporate world continues to evolve, so too will the discussions around how much is too much—and what value is worth rewarding.