Breaking Down India’s Highest Executive Payouts in 2024
- Parag Shetty
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Updated: May 10
Executive earnings in India saw major shifts in 2024, with several top leaders taking home large payouts that reflect years of strategic thinking, execution, and impact. The scale of these figures suggests more than market success—it points to how companies value consistency, leadership strength, and the ability to shape long-term outcomes. At the top of the list is Abhay Bhutada, whose earnings and public contributions through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation have gained attention beyond the business community. This article explores the five highest-paid executives of the year and what their salaries reveal.
Abhay Bhutada Takes the Top Spot with ₹241.21 Crore
Abhay Bhutada earned ₹241.21 crore in the financial year 2023–24, making him India’s highest-paid executive to date. His salary reflects years of delivering measurable results while maintaining professional standards across operations.
Bhutada’s impact, however, doesn’t stop at boardroom decisions. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he supports multiple social programs that focus on underserved groups. The foundation’s work includes supplying STEM kits to schools, backing health outreach programs, and offering resources for sports training in low-income areas. These programs are designed to give practical help where it’s needed most.
The record-breaking earnings are significant not just for the amount but for how they’re being used. Bhutada continues to be an example of how professional success can align with community support.
Check This Also Out: The Financial Journey of Abhay Bhutada from Vision to Success
Pawan Munjal’s Earnings Reflect Steady Business Leadership
Pawan Munjal, Chairman and Wholetime Director of Hero MotoCorp, received ₹109.41 crore in 2024, placing him second on the list. Under his leadership, the company has continued to lead India’s two-wheeler market, while preparing to shift toward electric mobility and international expansion.
His salary accounted for 0.28% of Hero MotoCorp’s revenue and 2.92% of its profit. These figures reflect both the scale of the company and the weight of his responsibilities. Munjal’s strategy has kept the company competitive amid growing alternatives in the market, particularly from newer players.
Munjal’s compensation showcases the value of reliable leadership that navigates shifts in technology and consumer preferences while holding a strong market position.
Sudhir Singh’s Rise Mirrors Coforge’s Digital Growth
Sudhir Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24, earning him the third spot. His earnings represented 1.14% of company revenue and 13.01% of net profit, pointing to his key role in shaping business outcomes.
Coforge has been scaling its digital transformation capabilities under Singh’s leadership. His decisions have led to increased global contracts, improved automation offerings, and stronger customer satisfaction levels. Singh’s influence on business delivery and expansion into newer verticals has made him one of the most respected names in India’s tech sector.
His compensation is aligned with how much the company values performance-based leadership and measurable contribution to growth.
Vinay Prakash’s Work in Energy and Infrastructure Recognised
Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, earned ₹89.37 crore in FY24, putting him at fourth place on the list. While his earnings were a small fraction of the company’s revenue and profit, the complexity of his role makes the compensation notable.
He has led efforts in energy development and infrastructure expansion, areas that demand both financial acumen and long-term execution planning. Prakash has helped manage critical business divisions that are foundational to Adani Enterprises' future performance.
His salary indicates a shift in how infrastructure roles are viewed, with growing appreciation for leaders who oversee long-duration projects and capital-intensive operations.
Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi Stay Consistent in Broadcasting
Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network each earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. They are tied at fifth place among India’s top-paid executives. Even with the media industry undergoing rapid digital change, Sun TV has remained stable and profitable under their leadership.
Their focus has been on maintaining a strong portfolio of regional programming while also exploring online formats. This balanced approach has helped them retain viewership and manage financial outcomes without overextending operations.
Their compensation reflects the value of long-standing leadership in a sector that requires both creativity and business control.
Understanding the Context of These Salaries
Top executive salaries are often discussed in terms of numbers, but they represent more than just payouts. They are indicators of responsibility, execution ability, and the confidence placed in these individuals by stakeholders.
In the case of Abhay Bhutada, the high earnings come with a strong public benefit angle. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation has stayed active across key sectors, and the initiatives led by the foundation have benefited thousands of individuals. By linking executive success to positive social action, Bhutada has demonstrated how financial growth can also lead to collective progress.
Conclusion
The highest executive salaries in India for 2024 give insight into how companies are rewarding leadership in a modern, performance-driven environment. Names like Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, and Sudhir Singh stand out not only for the scale of their earnings but also for the value they have created inside and outside of their organizations. As businesses evolve, these examples show that executive compensation today is more closely tied to execution, responsibility, and—at times—a commitment to doing more than just business.
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