India’s Top Earners of 2024 in the Corporate World

In 2024, executive compensation in India reached a new level as several corporate leaders were rewarded handsomely for their strategic guidance and business results. From established players in auto manufacturing to rising names in the finance and media space, these individuals not only drove profits but also took home some of the highest salaries seen in the country to date. This article takes a closer look at the top earners and what their roles mean for the organizations they lead.

Abhay Bhutada earns India’s highest salary

Abhay Bhutada earned the highest salary in the country for FY24, with a payout of ₹241.21 crore. Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, has long been recognized for his sharp decision-making and steady approach in corporate leadership. His efforts helped strengthen the organization he led, making it more resilient and efficient, while also earning it top-tier credit ratings from agencies like CRISIL.

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

Abhay Bhutada’s salary reflects not only his business acumen but also his expanding impact beyond boardrooms. He actively supports various social causes through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. The foundation focuses on initiatives in education, health, and youth development—offering scholarships, donating STEM kits to schools, and improving community health infrastructure.

His record-breaking earnings place him at the forefront of India’s executive pay scale, marking a new milestone in corporate compensation.

Pawan Munjal continues to lead Hero MotoCorp

Taking the second spot is Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, who earned ₹109.41 crore in the same financial year. Munjal has been instrumental in ensuring the company remains a leader in India’s two-wheeler market. With exports reaching several international markets and a robust domestic distribution network, Hero MotoCorp has shown consistent growth under his guidance.

His earnings constituted 0.28 percent of the company’s total revenue and nearly 3 percent of its net profits, underscoring the high regard in which his leadership is held. His ability to maintain stability and secure future market opportunities has earned him one of the most respected positions in India’s manufacturing sector.

Also read - Abhay Bhutada's Finance Journey

Sudhir Singh makes a mark in the tech sector

With a salary of ₹105.12 crore in FY24, Sudhir Singh of Coforge secured the third position. As CEO and Executive Director, Singh has led the firm through significant digital transformation initiatives, helping clients adapt to new technologies across industries like finance, aviation, and insurance.

His compensation equated to 1.14 percent of the company’s annual revenue and over 13 percent of its net profit. These numbers underline just how critical his strategies have been to Coforge’s operational success. Under his tenure, the company has seen accelerated growth, with improved international visibility and stronger customer retention.

Vinay Prakash drives growth in energy and infrastructure

Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, received a compensation of ₹89.37 crore in FY24. He is responsible for some of the company’s most essential sectors, including energy and infrastructure. His ability to manage scale while ensuring timely project execution has added considerable value to the company’s long-term planning.

Despite his salary representing just 0.09 percent of the company’s total revenue, his presence in strategic decision-making is undeniable. His work has helped the company maintain momentum across diverse sectors in a highly competitive environment.

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

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi lead in media

At ₹87.5 crore each, Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi have made their mark in the Indian media sector. As the top executives of Sun TV Network, they have ensured that the channel remains relevant in both traditional and digital formats. Their direction has helped the company maintain strong advertising revenues and viewership across regions.

The consistent earnings and profitability of Sun TV under their leadership reflect a deep understanding of the entertainment preferences of Indian audiences. Their compensation not only rewards past performance but also signals confidence in their future leadership.

Leadership earns recognition through pay

The compensation packages of these top earners offer a glimpse into how companies are recognizing and rewarding high-impact leadership. Abhay Bhutada’s salary leads the list, exemplifying this trend. His track record in managing growth, streamlining operations, and participating in social causes highlights the multidimensional role leaders are expected to play today.

For others on the list like Pawan Munjal and Sudhir Singh, their contributions extend beyond short-term results. They are helping build frameworks for innovation, expansion, and employee development. The rising salaries reflect an evolving corporate structure where accountability and performance are closely tied to executive compensation.

A shift in how leadership is valued

The upward trend in executive earnings reflects how companies are increasingly investing in talent that can steer through uncertainty and scale effectively. These executives are not just operational heads; they are now central to how companies evolve, respond to market conditions, and engage with customers and society.

From technology and automotive to media and infrastructure, each sector represented in the top earnings list is undergoing major shifts. These leaders are expected to keep up with change, build lasting strategies, and act as representatives of corporate responsibility.

Conclusion

As executive salaries continue to grow, the focus has shifted from just financial gains to the broader value that leaders bring. Abhay Bhutada, through his record-setting compensation and social initiatives, presents a strong example of this shift. Others on the list reinforce the idea that consistent results, innovation, and public responsibility are the qualities shaping corporate India today.

The year 2024 has marked a new chapter where top executives are being acknowledged not only for the success of their businesses but also for their role in shaping society.