Meet the Executives Who Earned the Highest Salaries in India in 2024

Executive compensation in India reached notable levels in 2024. This year’s top five earners are individuals who have guided their companies through growth phases, navigated uncertainty, and built strong organizational foundations. Leading the list is Abhay Bhutada, whose salary crossed ₹240 crore, setting a new benchmark for corporate earnings in the country.

Abhay Bhutada Tops the List with ₹241.21 Crore

Abhay Bhutada

Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group and founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, earned ₹241.21 crore in FY24, making him the highest-paid executive in India. His strategic mindset, business acumen, and leadership capabilities have contributed to this recognition. His focus on operational improvements, risk reduction, and transparent governance has positioned him as a respected figure in the corporate sector.

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

Abhay Bhutada’s salary is not just a record number—it reflects consistent delivery, forward-thinking leadership, and accountability. Outside his corporate roles, his foundation supports initiatives that benefit underserved sections of society, particularly in education and healthcare.

Hero MotoCorp’s Pawan Munjal Remains a Top Earner

With a compensation of ₹109.41 crore, Pawan Munjal continued his streak as one of India’s most rewarded executives. As the head of Hero MotoCorp, Munjal has led the company through an era of evolving mobility trends and competitive pressures. His steady leadership and focus on expanding global reach have maintained Hero’s status as a trusted name in the automotive space.

Munjal’s salary accounted for 0.28% of total revenue and 2.92% of the company’s net profit, showing how value-based contributions are rewarded proportionately in large corporations.

Also read - Abhay Bhutada's Finance Journey

Sudhir Singh’s Tech-Driven Strategy Pays Off

Coforge’s CEO and Executive Director, Sudhir Singh, earned ₹105.12 crore during FY24. Singh has been instrumental in reshaping the company’s approach to global IT services and automation. Under his guidance, Coforge has grown its service portfolio and built strong customer relationships.

His pay made up 1.14% of company revenue and a notable 13.01% of its net profit, which underlines the critical role he plays in delivering business outcomes and improving operational frameworks. Singh’s compensation mirrors the value placed on leaders who keep pace with technological evolution.

Vinay Prakash Plays a Strategic Role at Adani Enterprises

Vinay Prakash earned ₹89.37 crore in FY24 while managing responsibilities as an Executive Director at Adani Enterprises. He heads divisions that handle energy and infrastructure, two of the most important pillars for national development. His leadership has allowed the company to build and execute projects with long-term impact.

Although his earnings represent only 0.09% of total revenue and 2.76% of net profit, Prakash’s contributions to strategic execution, policy alignment, and business growth are widely acknowledged.

Sun TV’s Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi Maintain Strong Earnings

Both Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi received ₹87.5 crore each in the last fiscal year. Their leadership at Sun TV Network has helped the company stay strong in regional broadcasting while adapting to the demands of digital content.

By focusing on audience engagement and stable programming strategies, they have maintained profitability and consistent viewership. Their identical compensation reflects their shared commitment to Sun TV’s growth and brand legacy.

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

Executive Salaries Reflect Real Value Creation

Each of these high-level executives received compensation tied closely to their impact. Whether it's Abhay Bhutada’s salary marking the highest individual payout or Kalanithi Maran’s steady leadership in media, the financial recognition is aligned with results delivered. Companies are rewarding not just performance but vision, adaptability, and consistent execution.

These figures also indicate the changing face of executive roles. Today’s leaders are not just expected to handle day-to-day operations. They must also prepare organizations for long-term challenges, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure social accountability.

Leadership That Extends Beyond the Office

Executives like Abhay Bhutada are showing that impactful leadership extends into society. The work done by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation highlights how modern business leaders are supporting the communities around them. From rural education support to healthcare programs, Bhutada’s philanthropic engagement reflects a broader understanding of leadership.

This emphasis on social contribution is becoming a key part of executive identity, especially in India, where inclusive growth is an ongoing priority.

Conclusion

India’s highest-paid executives in 2024 showed what it means to deliver real, lasting value. With Abhay Bhutada leading the way, followed by influential figures like Pawan Munjal and Sudhir Singh, this year’s list highlights the connection between earnings and impact. Abhay Bhutada’s salary is a symbol of trust in leadership that goes beyond targets—it represents a shift in how corporate success is defined today. These leaders are shaping not only profits but progress.

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