Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Founder Becomes India’s Highest-Paid Executive
- Parag Shetty
- May 20
- 4 min read
Abhay Bhutada has steadily worked his way into the spotlight—not through media hype, but through determination, smart business strategies, and a forward-thinking mindset. In FY24, Abhay Bhutada’s salary amounted to ₹241.21 crore, placing him at the top of India’s executive compensation list. His net worth, now estimated to be over ₹1,000 crore, reflects years of calculated decisions and long-term planning.
But more than wealth, it’s the story behind his rise that stands out. From growing up in Latur, Maharashtra, to becoming a well-recognized name in India’s entrepreneurial and
philanthropic space, Abhay’s journey is built on substance.
The Early Years and Practical Experience
Abhay Bhutada qualified as a Chartered Accountant early in his career. Rather than pursuing a conventional corporate route, he chose to understand the challenges of small businesses. His first stint at the Bank of India in 2010 allowed him to explore SME finance, and this gave him a firm grip on the gaps in India’s credit delivery system.
Coming from a business family, Abhay’s approach was never just job-focused. He preferred creating value and building structures that worked on the ground. Soon after, he launched his own consultancy firm to help smaller enterprises access much-needed funding—something he felt the existing system wasn’t doing well enough.
Laying the Groundwork with TAB Capital
In 2016, Abhay Bhutada built TAB Capital, a digital NBFC designed to serve MSMEs with better speed and precision. The idea was simple: reduce friction in the lending process and use technology to enable quicker, smarter approvals.
The company grew steadily and by 2019, it caught the attention of larger players. Its acquisition not only brought Abhay recognition, but also substantially added to his net worth. What stood out, however, was his ability to scale a startup into an attractive business using a lean model.
Creating Value at a Larger Scale
Post-acquisition, Abhay Bhutada took on a leadership role in a group-level capacity, eventually playing a key role in restructuring and rebranding a financial services company under the group’s umbrella. His focus was on long-term profitability, customer-centric design, and digital execution. These priorities paid off—the company reached an AUM of ₹25,000 crore and delivered a PAT of ₹1,000 crore.
These achievements contributed directly to Abhay Bhutada’s salary recognition in FY24. His earnings, though headline-worthy, are backed by actual growth, clean metrics, and solid performance.
Stepping Away from the Executive Role
Despite his position as a top-paid executive, Abhay Bhutada voluntarily stepped away from the role to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. With financial independence secured, he chose to focus on group-level investments and long-term strategic work as an advisor within the Cyrus Poonawalla Group.
This move allowed him to shift gears and focus more on initiatives that drive value beyond boardrooms. His personal vision has always been growth paired with purpose—something that has become increasingly evident in his philanthropic work.
The Purpose Behind His Net Worth
What makes Abhay Bhutada’s net worth more meaningful is the way he chooses to use it. He is the founder and chairman of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, which works on-ground with communities across India to improve access to education, healthcare, and sports.
One such example is the ‘Learn by Doing’ initiative, where the foundation partnered with Sakar Eduskills to distribute STEM kits among children from disadvantaged backgrounds. These kits include hands-on science tools and have brought experiential learning to students who had little exposure to such resources.
Supporting Health and Sports at the Grassroots
Abhay Bhutada has also directed the foundation’s efforts toward healthcare. With medical
camps, free consultations, and community health drives, the foundation works to fill service gaps in under-resourced areas. In the sports sector, the foundation has backed young athletes who show potential but lack training infrastructure and support systems.
This well-rounded approach underlines how Abhay Bhutada sees wealth not just as personal achievement but as a means to create wider social value.
Consistent Recognition of Effort
Abhay Bhutada has been recognized by several reputed institutions over the years. Awards like the ‘Young Entrepreneur of India’ (2017), ‘Promising Entrepreneur of India’ (2019), and ‘Global Indian of the Year’ (2023) are acknowledgments of his performance, not just promises. His inclusion in Asia One’s ’40 Under 40 Most Influential Leaders’ is another mark of his growing impact.
But through it all, Abhay has chosen to stay focused on creating solutions, investing in what works, and scaling thoughtfully.
Final Thoughts
Abhay Bhutada’s rise is not built on flash or noise. It’s built on doing the work, making calculated decisions, and staying close to what matters—creating opportunities and improving systems. His high net worth and top-ranking salary reflect what he’s built over the years, but what’s more important is how he continues to give back through his foundation. His example shows that real success goes beyond numbers—it’s about the lives impacted along the way.
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