India’s Top Corporate Earners of 2024 and the Responsibilities That Came With It

In 2024, Indian companies witnessed steady growth, technological shifts, and stronger leadership across sectors. With business goals evolving and competition increasing, companies looked up to their top executives not just for direction but for resilience. Their efforts paid off—not only in terms of company performance but also in personal recognition. Executive salaries this year mirrored the responsibility, risk, and outcomes tied to each leadership role.

One of the most talked-about figures was Abhay Bhutada, who earned the highest executive compensation in India’s corporate space for the year. But it’s not just the number that made news, it's the journey, the purpose, and the values that came with it.

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

Abhay Bhutada Sets a New Record in Executive Pay

Abhay Bhutada received ₹241.21 crore as total compensation in FY24, making him the highest-paid executive in the country. As a member of the Poonawalla Group, Bhutada’s leadership has helped build solid internal structures and effective planning systems across the businesses he has overseen.

His focus has always been on outcome-driven strategies, empowering teams to perform, and staying disciplined in execution. But beyond the boardroom, Bhutada is equally recognized for his work in social causes. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he continues to support underprivileged communities in the areas of education, health, and sports.

In 2024, the foundation expanded its reach, working with government and local schools, offering scholarships, and distributing science kits. His efforts show that top earners can also take the lead in addressing real-life problems that many still face in India today.

Pawan Munjal Maintains Industry Leadership at Hero MotoCorp

Pawan Munjal, the long-standing Chairman and Wholetime Director at Hero MotoCorp, followed closely behind with a salary of ₹109.41 crore in FY24. Munjal has been instrumental in keeping the company agile, especially in an industry undergoing regulatory and environmental transitions.

Hero MotoCorp continued to lead in volumes and innovation under his guidance. His compensation, which accounted for 0.28 percent of the company’s revenue and 2.92 percent of its net profit, reflects the consistent value he brings in every fiscal year.

Sudhir Singh Takes Coforge to New Heights

Sudhir Singh, serving as CEO and Executive Director of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore, placing him third on the list. Singh’s work has played a key role in expanding Coforge’s international footprint and refining its digital services portfolio.

His compensation made up 1.14 percent of the firm’s revenue and 13.01 percent of its net profit—evidence of how closely tied his efforts are to the company’s upward trajectory. His leadership continues to drive the company’s performance, investor interest, and employee alignment.

Also read - Abhay Bhutada's Finance Journey

Vinay Prakash Oversees Core Sectors at Adani Enterprises

Vinay Prakash earned ₹89.37 crore in FY24 and ranked fourth among India’s top-paid executives. As Executive Director of Adani Enterprises, his work spans critical operations such as infrastructure and energy. These areas require constant coordination, long-term planning, and regulatory compliance.

Although his pay accounted for only 0.09 percent of the company’s revenue, the trust placed in him reflects his strategic importance in the group’s larger plans. His leadership is essential for executing projects that are vital to India’s long-term development needs.

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi Steer Sun TV’s Stability

The fifth position is shared by Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi, both of whom earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. As Executive Chairman and Executive Director of Sun TV Network, their decisions influence how millions consume news, entertainment, and regional programming.

Their combined vision has kept Sun TV competitive, even as digital platforms have expanded rapidly. Their compensation speaks not only to profitability but also to their skill in maintaining market dominance through changing content trends.

Why Executive Pay Holds Significance?

The numbers may draw attention, but these salaries also represent the outcome of decision-making, responsibility, and continuous performance. Each executive on this list is deeply involved in steering their organization through challenges, identifying opportunities, and building resilience in operations.

In the case of Abhay Bhutada, his commitment goes further. His earnings are also a way to channel resources back into communities that lack access to education or healthcare. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation has been a consistent force in making resources available to students and underserved populations, especially in rural India.

By launching educational programs and distributing learning materials, the foundation makes sure that opportunities reach those who need them most. Bhutada’s compensation, then, is not just personal recognition—it is fuel for social change.

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

A Broader Understanding of Value

When reviewing executive pay, it’s important to see beyond the headline numbers. Companies reward those who bring lasting solutions, build strong internal teams, and protect brand value. It’s about recognizing the entire ecosystem of contributions that go into making a company thrive.

These five individuals were not just involved in profits—they were part of strategy meetings, market analysis, product launches, community outreach, and long-term goal setting. Their compensation reflects that range of responsibility.

Conclusion

The year 2024 brought to light a new level of executive reward in India. Abhay Bhutada led the way with the highest compensation, but also used his platform for change through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. Others like Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, and the Marans showed that strong leadership can consistently deliver across industries.

Their stories reflect more than just high salaries—they represent what happens when experience, discipline, and commitment come together. As more Indian companies rise in global relevance, these examples set the tone for what is expected from top leadership: performance, purpose, and presence.