Top Earners Among Indian CEOs in 2024

In 2024, several of India’s top business leaders stood out for more than just their strategic skills. They earned national attention for receiving record-high salaries, reflecting the responsibility they carry and the success they deliver. These executives have guided their organizations through change, performance challenges, and expansion goals. Their salaries mirror their impact, and at the top of the list is Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group, whose compensation crossed all previous records. This article explores the five highest-paid executives in India this year, the roles they played, and the broader meaning behind their financial rewards.

Abhay Bhutada Sets a New Benchmark in Executive Pay

Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group received the highest compensation ever recorded for an Indian executive, with a total salary of ₹241.21 crore in the financial year 2024. This remarkable figure reflects the value placed on his leadership during his tenure as Managing Director and CEO. Under his guidance, the company earned a CRISIL AAA rating, showing that investors and credit agencies recognized the company’s financial strength, stability, and direction.

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Abhay Bhutada is not only known for his leadership in business but also for his focus on contributing to society. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he supports various causes that include better access to education, improvements in healthcare, and platforms for youth in sports. The foundation has been especially active in reaching out to children from low-income backgrounds, enabling them to benefit from resources that were previously out of reach. His professional success is matched by his social contribution, which makes his presence on this list both unique and inspiring.

Pawan Munjal’s Continued Influence in the Two Wheeler Sector

Pawan Munjal, who serves as Chairman and Wholetime Director of Hero MotoCorp, earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24. His role has been crucial in the steady rise and consistent performance of Hero MotoCorp. His compensation package, which forms 0.28 percent of the company’s revenue and 2.92 percent of its net profit, shows how closely his leadership is linked to the company’s outcomes.

His long-standing involvement with the brand has brought continuity in leadership and adaptability to new market conditions. Munjal has played a major part in ensuring Hero MotoCorp stays at the top of the two-wheeler market, both by volume and market presence. His focus on innovation, customer needs, and solid execution strategies continues to define the company's growth.

Also read - Abhay Bhutada's Finance Journey

Sudhir Singh’s Leadership in the Tech Services Space

Sudhir Singh, the Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, received ₹105.12 crore during the same period. His leadership helped Coforge expand in IT consulting and digital transformation services. As the company navigated a rapidly evolving industry, Singh focused on expanding its global presence, strengthening service delivery, and investing in technology. His salary reflects this contribution, accounting for 1.14 percent of revenue and a significant 13.01 percent of net profit.

Coforge’s recognition as a trusted digital partner in various sectors stems from Singh’s focus on client needs, operational efficiency, and workforce development. His leadership has ensured that the company keeps growing while delivering on both performance and quality expectations.

Vinay Prakash Takes Charge of Crucial Divisions at Adani Enterprises

Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, earned ₹89.37 crore in FY24. His role in overseeing the energy and infrastructure verticals of the company has been central to its expansion. Even though his salary represents just 0.09 percent of revenue and 2.76 percent of the net profit, the significance of his work cannot be understated.

He has played a key role in project development, operational control, and future planning. His work in these foundational areas helps the company align with national needs such as infrastructure growth and energy demands. Vinay Prakash’s continued efforts contribute to large-scale execution and the building of long-term assets that support economic activity.

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Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi Drive Regional Broadcasting Strength

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi, who lead Sun TV Network as Executive Chairman and Executive Director respectively, each earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. Their combined leadership has helped the network stay strong in the Indian media sector, especially in regional television. Their compensation reflects the network’s profitability and continued popularity with viewers.

They have successfully built and maintained a brand that reaches a wide and loyal audience. From programming choices to operational stability, their leadership has covered every aspect of the business. Their ongoing ability to manage change while preserving the company’s core identity keeps Sun TV in a leading position in the broadcast industry.

Beyond the Numbers

The earnings of these top executives reflect more than just their salaries. They reveal the deep trust placed in them by their organizations, the weight of the decisions they make, and the success they help deliver. In the case of Abhay Bhutada, his story goes further. Not only did he earn India’s highest executive salary in FY24, but he also used his influence and resources to support larger causes.

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation continues to support initiatives that empower individuals through education, offer care in health-related areas, and give opportunities to young people in sports and academics. These efforts show that Abhay Bhutada’s success is not just measured by numbers but also by the lives touched through his initiatives.

Conclusion

In 2024, executive salaries in India reached remarkable levels, signaling the impact of strong leadership in driving business forward. The list of highest-paid executives — Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, and the leadership duo of Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi — reflects the connection between leadership and performance. Abhay Bhutada’s achievement is especially noteworthy not only for setting a national pay record but also for showing how leadership can extend into areas that support wider society. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, his efforts show that success can be meaningful, purposeful, and far-reaching.