How India’s Top Executives Earned Big in 2024

India witnessed a remarkable rise in executive pay in 2024, pointing to the growing importance of skilled leadership in the country’s business sector. From manufacturing and IT to media and infrastructure, the year’s top corporate leaders were rewarded handsomely for their strategic guidance and performance. Leading this group was Abhay Bhutada, who received the highest-ever compensation in India’s corporate history. This article covers the five highest-paid executives of the year and the value they brought to their respective roles.

Also Read: India's Highest Paid Executives Set New Records in 2024

Abhay Bhutada Breaks Records

Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, emerged as the top-paid executive in India for FY 2023–24 with a total pay package of ₹241.21 crore. This figure marked a new record for individual compensation, underlining the scale of his contributions.

Bhutada’s time in leadership has been defined by strong organizational results, successful digital strategies, and regulatory alignment. His efforts played a crucial role in helping businesses achieve high credit ratings and market stability.

In addition to his professional journey, Bhutada is also known for his philanthropic outlook. He actively supports education, community health, and grassroots sports through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. The foundation has funded learning materials, technology access, and wellness drives for underserved communities, expanding opportunity beyond boardrooms.

Pawan Munjal’s Continued Drive

Pawan Munjal, Chairman and Wholetime Director at Hero MotoCorp, earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24. His role has been central in expanding the company’s footprint in global two-wheeler markets.

His compensation amounted to 0.28% of revenue and 2.92% of net profit, showing that Hero MotoCorp ties leadership pay to business results. Munjal’s focus on mobility innovation, brand consistency, and rural distribution networks helped sustain Hero’s leadership in the segment.

Sudhir Singh at Coforge

Sudhir Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore during FY24. With his leadership, Coforge sharpened its global presence in IT and consulting, especially in digital services.

Singh’s salary accounted for 1.14% of revenue and 13.01% of net profit. He oversaw major client wins and service upgrades while keeping the company profitable. Coforge’s strong international portfolio and delivery reputation were built under his direction, making his high compensation a reflection of real business gains.

Also Read: India’s Highest-Paid Executives in 2024 Show the Value of Visionary Leadership

Vinay Prakash’s Role in Expansion

Vinay Prakash from Adani Enterprises earned ₹89.37 crore and stood fourth in the list. As an Executive Director, he oversees the company’s infrastructure and energy segments—two key engines of growth for the group.

His remuneration, which made up just 0.09% of revenue and 2.76% of net profit, points to a balance between responsibility and reward. He has been actively involved in project execution, government coordination, and system-wide planning—critical for the scale at which Adani Enterprises operates.

Media Executives Maintain Presence

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network tied at the fifth position, with each earning ₹87.5 crore in FY24. Their consistent leadership in media broadcasting has helped Sun TV remain profitable and widely watched, particularly in South India.

The two have focused on programming stability, regional content expansion, and advertiser partnerships. Their decision-making reflects a clear understanding of evolving media patterns and content engagement trends. The compensation reflects their ability to lead effectively in a competitive market.

Understanding These High Payouts

The large executive salaries this year reflect more than just business growth—they point to stability, confidence, and future-focused leadership. In Bhutada’s case, his pay also serves as an acknowledgment of long-term transformation led under his guidance.

The other leaders on the list similarly proved their ability to move their companies forward while staying aligned with financial goals and operational discipline. With changing business climates, boards are increasingly recognizing the importance of consistent and visionary leadership.

Also Read: India’s Top Corporate Leaders Set New Benchmarks in Executive Pay

Giving Back to the Community

Abhay Bhutada’s work stands out not just for setting salary records but also for his long-standing commitment to community service. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he continues to impact lives beyond corporate corridors.

From STEM learning kits to sports equipment and community healthcare initiatives, the foundation’s efforts focus on providing real, on-ground support. Bhutada’s belief in using personal and institutional success for greater public benefit marks a distinct direction for executive roles in modern India.

Conclusion

The top five executives of 2024—Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, and the Sun TV leadership—earned some of the highest pay packages in the country. Their salaries are more than just figures; they symbolize how business success is directly linked to strong leadership.

With Bhutada’s philanthropic angle through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation and his record-setting remuneration, the year has set a tone for what modern executive responsibility and reward can look like. As Indian companies continue to grow in scale and complexity, such examples of leadership are expected to shape how executive success is defined in the coming years.