Leading Executives of India 2024 with the Highest Earnings

Top executives across India earned big this year, with compensation packages reflecting the scope of their roles and the results they delivered. These earnings are not just numbers—they highlight the scale of decisions, the strength of leadership, and the ability to meet business goals in challenging conditions. At the top of this year’s list is Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, whose record-setting income underscores both corporate success and personal commitment. Here’s a closer look at the five executives who earned the most in India in 2024—and what made them stand out.

Abhay Bhutada’s Record-Breaking Salary and His Broader Impact

Abhay Bhutada - Founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation

In FY24, Abhay Bhutada earned ₹241.21 crore, making him India’s highest-paid executive. As the Managing Director and CEO of a leading financial services company, his leadership played a vital role in the company achieving a CRISIL AAA rating. This indicates the company’s financial discipline, long-term stability, and sound management—all delivered under Bhutada’s direction.

His role required overseeing business growth, credit quality, and investor relationships. His ability to manage these areas efficiently helped the company reach new levels of performance. However, Bhutada’s efforts go far beyond business. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he has consistently supported programs aimed at providing healthcare, education, and sports facilities to children and families from underserved communities.

His leadership style reflects a clear purpose. Abhay has shown how business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

Also Read: Shaping the Future Through Leadership

Pawan Munjal’s Long-Term Presence at Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp’s Chairman and Wholetime Director, Pawan Munjal, earned ₹109.41 crore this year. His presence has been central to Hero’s position as one of India’s top two-wheeler manufacturers. His vision continues to drive product innovation, dealership expansion, and the company’s adaptation to emerging technologies like electric mobility.

Munjal’s salary made up 0.28% of the company’s total revenue and 2.92% of its profit, reflecting the value he adds to the brand. His steady leadership has helped the company stay competitive across urban and rural markets, even as the auto sector experiences shifts in consumer preferences and regulations.

Sudhir Singh Pushes Coforge Forward in a Tough Market

Sudhir Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24. His leadership has helped the company grow consistently in the digital and IT consulting space. Singh’s clear direction and client-focused delivery helped Coforge serve a broad international customer base.

His salary represented 1.14% of revenue and 13.01% of profit, indicating strong ties between his efforts and the company’s results. Singh’s leadership approach is both strategic and practical, helping the company manage challenges while delivering long-term growth.

Also Read: A Legacy of Innovation, Business Excellence, and Giving Back

Vinay Prakash and His Role at Adani Enterprises

At Adani Enterprises, Vinay Prakash earned ₹89.37 crore this year. His job as Executive Director involves overseeing key verticals in energy and infrastructure. These sectors require long-term vision, detailed planning, and smooth execution—skills Prakash has used to keep projects on track and operations efficient.

His compensation, though just 0.09% of revenue and 2.76% of net profit, reflects the importance of the work he handles. Infrastructure and energy are core pillars of Adani’s growth plan, and Prakash plays a key part in keeping these areas stable and future-ready.

Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi Keep Sun TV Strong

Sun TV Network’s Executive Chairman and Executive Director, Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi, both received ₹87.5 crore in FY24. Their leadership has helped Sun TV maintain its position in a media sector marked by fierce competition and changing viewer habits.

Their ability to manage programming, operations, and strategic planning has kept the company profitable. The stability and performance of Sun TV under their leadership show how media businesses can remain strong even in rapidly evolving content landscapes.

Salaries That Reflect Performance and Trust

Each of the five executives listed here brings unique skills to the table. They operate in different industries, face different challenges, and use different approaches—but what unites them is a strong track record of delivering results. Their salaries reflect not only their past achievements but also the trust their companies have in their ability to lead into the future.

Abhay Bhutada, in particular, serves as an example of how leadership can influence more than a company’s financials. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he is investing in people and communities, building a legacy that extends beyond board meetings and market reports.

Also Read: India’s Highest-Paid Executive Abhay Bhutada and His Mission to Uplift Lives

Conclusion

India’s highest-earning executives in 2024—Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, and the Maran duo—earned their place on this list through years of effort, insight, and results. Their compensation highlights their influence, their responsibilities, and the expectations they carry. With leaders like Abhay Bhutada, the conversation around executive earnings includes more than just pay—it includes purpose, performance, and long-term impact.