Abhay Bhutada Tops Indias Highest Executive Payouts in 2024

In 2024, top corporate executives in India received significant compensation packages, highlighting not only their positions but also the results they’ve delivered in their respective companies. These leaders have been at the forefront of business decision-making and long-term success, and their salaries reflect the outcomes they’ve helped achieve. Among them, Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group stood out by setting a national record.

Abhay Bhutada: India’s Highest-Paid Executive in 2024

Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group earned the highest executive salary in India for FY24, receiving a total compensation of ₹241.21 crore. This record-setting figure marked a milestone in the country’s corporate pay structure. During his time as Managing Director and CEO, he played a central role in taking the company to new heights. Under his leadership, the company received a CRISIL AAA rating and demonstrated solid financial performance in a competitive environment.

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However, Bhutada’s work isn’t limited to corporate success. He is also deeply committed to social causes. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he continues to support educational programs, healthcare access, and sports initiatives for underprivileged sections of society. This blend of business acumen and philanthropic commitment has earned him wide recognition in the public and private sectors alike.

Pawan Munjal: Leading Hero MotoCorp to Continued Success

Pawan Munjal, the Chairman and Wholetime Director of Hero MotoCorp, earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24. He has been instrumental in maintaining Hero’s leadership position in the global two-wheeler market. His strategic decisions and long-term planning have not only strengthened the brand but also contributed significantly to its market share and profitability.

Munjal’s compensation in FY24 accounted for 0.28% of the company’s overall revenue and 2.92% of its net profit. These figures show that while the payout is high, it is backed by consistent company performance and value creation for shareholders.

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Sudhir Singh: Driving Coforge’s Growth in the IT Sector

With earnings of ₹105.12 crore, Sudhir Singh, the Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, took the third spot among India’s highest-paid executives in 2024. Coforge, a key player in the IT consulting space, saw steady expansion under his leadership. Singh has overseen the company’s progress in digital services, automation, and international client engagement.

His pay constituted 1.14% of Coforge’s revenue and 13.01% of its net profit, reflecting his direct role in steering the company through the evolving demands of global IT services. Singh’s compensation also signals the growing importance of technology-focused leadership in India’s business world.

Vinay Prakash: Building Adani Enterprises’ Energy and Infrastructure Arms

Vinay Prakash, who serves as an Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, earned ₹89.37 crore in FY24. His contribution to the company’s focus areas—particularly energy and infrastructure—has been significant. These sectors continue to be major areas of expansion for Adani Enterprises, and Prakash has played a key part in managing projects and strategies across both verticals.

While his salary accounted for only 0.09% of the company’s revenue and 2.76% of its net profit, it still reflects the value placed on his leadership. His compensation is seen as a recognition of his influence in one of India’s most ambitious and fast-growing conglomerates.

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi: Steering Sun TV’s Media Success

Rounding out the top five are Kalanithi Maran, Executive Chairman of Sun TV Network, and Kavery Kalanithi, the company’s Executive Director. Each earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. The duo has helped Sun TV maintain its dominant position in the South Indian television market, ensuring the network remains relevant and profitable even as digital platforms grow in popularity.

Their management has focused on building content, increasing viewership, and maintaining strong advertiser relationships. These consistent efforts have helped the company maintain steady earnings, which is reflected in their personal remuneration.

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Changing Trends in Executive Compensation

The salaries of India’s top executives are becoming a point of conversation, especially as company performance and public expectations grow. Compensation figures like Abhay Bhutada's salary are not just numbers; they also tell a story of ambition, strategic planning, and results.

In previous years, top executive earnings often came under scrutiny, but in 2024, these packages are increasingly being understood in context. Higher salaries are now more closely linked to company performance, long-term planning, and measurable impact, which helps frame these figures in a more balanced light.

Conclusion

This year’s top earners, including Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group, Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, and the Sun TV leadership team, represent different sectors of the Indian economy—from finance and automobiles to media and technology. Each has contributed in a unique way to their company’s growth and vision.

Their compensation is not just about personal income—it reflects the level of responsibility they carry and the expectations placed on their leadership. As India continues to build strong companies and expand globally, the conversation around executive pay will continue to evolve, and names like Abhay Bhutada will likely remain at the forefront.