India’s Highest-Paid Executives in 2024 and What Their Salaries Reflect

India’s corporate boardrooms have seen significant shifts in 2024, not only in terms of strategy and innovation but also in compensation. Top executives across industries received substantial salaries this financial year, making headlines for their achievements and financial rewards. These figures reflect the growing importance of leadership and responsibility in today’s fast-evolving business environment. Let’s take a look at some of the highest-paid executives in the country and what their salaries reveal about their roles and impact.

Abhay Bhutada – A Leader with Vision and Impact

Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, topped the chart as India’s highest-paid executive in FY24. His compensation was recorded at ₹241.21 crore, a figure that has drawn attention across financial and corporate circles.

The notable rise in Abhay Bhutada’s salary reflects the value placed on strong business direction, long-term planning, and consistent outcomes. His leadership journey has been marked by innovation, digital transformation, and an ability to drive performance in highly competitive sectors.

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Outside the corporate space, Bhutada has contributed to public welfare through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. The foundation focuses on healthcare, sports, and education, especially for underserved communities. His philanthropic work has further established his presence as a leader who balances profit with purpose.

Pawan Munjal – Consistency in Mobility Leadership

Pawan Munjal earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24, ranking second among India’s highest-paid executives. As the head of Hero MotoCorp, his focus on domestic and international markets has kept the company at the top of the two-wheeler segment.

His earnings represent just a small fraction of the company’s overall revenues and profits, yet signal the value attributed to steady growth and brand leadership. Munjal’s compensation aligns with Hero’s consistent expansion and performance over the years.

Sudhir Singh – Elevating the IT Sector

Sudhir Singh, the CEO and Executive Director of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24. His strong background in IT consulting and ability to lead major digital transformation projects made a significant difference for the company.

Under Singh’s leadership, Coforge enhanced its service capabilities and global reach. His salary makes up over 1% of the company’s annual revenue, indicating his pivotal role in shaping its success. Singh’s contribution to the company goes beyond profits — he has positioned Coforge as a trusted partner in the global tech space.

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Vinay Prakash – Building the Infrastructure Backbone

Earning ₹89.37 crore in FY24, Vinay Prakash of Adani Enterprises played a key role in managing the company’s infrastructure and energy operations. As an Executive Director, his responsibilities included driving large-scale projects and ensuring timely execution across verticals.

Though his salary was a relatively small portion of the company’s total revenue, it points to the importance of leaders who guide high-investment and long-term strategic projects. Prakash’s efforts supported the company’s sustainable growth model and expansion across sectors.

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi – Sustaining Media Leadership

Sun TV Network’s Executive Chairman Kalanithi Maran and Executive Director Kavery Kalanithi each earned ₹87.5 crore. Together, they have consistently steered one of India’s top regional broadcasters through a competitive media environment.

Their compensation mirrors their contribution to both financial performance and audience engagement. By combining strategic content direction with operational strength, the duo continues to hold Sun TV’s leading position in the media market.

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Corporate Compensation and What It Reflects

The significant salaries earned by these executives are more than just figures. They represent leadership that has delivered results, navigated change, and sustained growth in tough markets.

Abhay Bhutada’s salary, for example, underlines how critical strong leadership is in shaping both the internal direction of an organization and its perception in the market. Likewise, the earnings of Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, and others reflect unique skill sets and the ability to take bold decisions that shape company futures.

Why Does This Matter for the Future?

Recognizing high-performing individuals helps create a benchmark for professional growth, work ethic, and vision in India’s corporate structure. It also boosts confidence among shareholders and employees, knowing that leadership is both accountable and rewarded for its role in business success.

The presence of Abhay Bhutada, Sudhir Singh, and others on this list also shows a broadening of sectors that now contribute to the top executive brackets — from finance and manufacturing to media and technology.

Conclusion

The compensation figures seen in 2024 reflect how India’s corporate environment is evolving. It’s not just about size or legacy anymore; it’s about delivering real, lasting impact. Executives like Abhay Bhutada and Pawan Munjal are prime examples of how decision-makers are being rewarded for driving innovation and performance.

In the years to come, this focus on merit-based rewards could lead to even stronger leadership, increased transparency, and more balanced growth across sectors — ensuring that India remains on track for continued corporate success.