India Executive Earnings 2024 and the Performers Who Stood Out

In a year where India’s corporate world showed resilience and growth across various sectors, five senior executives emerged as the country’s highest-paid leaders. Their pay reflects not just their job titles but the accountability and results tied to their work. The individual leading this year’s list is none other than Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, whose 2024 salary set a new benchmark in the country’s corporate compensation records.

Abhay Bhutada: Leading with Purpose and Performance

Abhay Bhutada - Founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation

In FY24, Abhay Bhutada earned ₹241.21 crore, making him the highest-paid executive in India’s history. As the former Managing Director and CEO of a leading financial service company, he oversaw the company’s transition into a stronger, more efficient financial institution. Under his leadership, the company achieved a CRISIL AAA rating and reported robust growth in performance metrics.

Apart from his professional achievements, Bhutada is actively involved in social causes. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and sports, especially for children from underprivileged backgrounds. Discussions around Abhay Bhutada's salary have grown this year, but his dual role as a business leader and philanthropist gives a broader perspective on the value he delivers.

Also Read: Shaping the Future Through Leadership

Hero MotoCorp’s Pawan Munjal Maintains His Spot

Pawan Munjal, the Chairman and Wholetime Director at Hero MotoCorp, earned ₹109.41 crore this year. His longstanding influence in the automobile sector has helped Hero stay on top in the two-wheeler market, not just in India but across global territories.

His pay accounted for 0.28% of revenue and 2.92% of net profit. These numbers confirm the significant role Munjal continues to play in driving the company’s innovation and business strategy.

Sudhir Singh’s Strong Run at Coforge

Sudhir Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, received ₹105.12 crore in FY24. Coforge, known for its IT consulting and digital services, continued to expand its market under Singh’s leadership. His efforts helped the company stay competitive in an evolving technology space.

His compensation made up 1.14% of Coforge’s revenue and a substantial 13.01% of its net profit. These figures reflect a high level of executive efficiency, indicating how closely leadership decisions are tied to financial performance.

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

Vinay Prakash Pushes Infrastructure at Adani Enterprises

With ₹89.37 crore in compensation, Vinay Prakash of Adani Enterprises ranks among the top earners in the country. As Executive Director, he is responsible for managing the energy and infrastructure divisions—critical areas for the group’s long-term development goals.

Although his pay amounted to just 0.09% of total revenue and 2.76% of net profit, the strategic nature of his work and his importance in the firm’s expansion plans underscore the reasoning behind his earnings.

The Media Duo: Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi

Both Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network earned ₹87.5 crore each in FY24. As Executive Chairman and Executive Director respectively, they have led the network through shifts in the media landscape, keeping Sun TV profitable despite the rise of digital platforms.

Their strategic content management and continued focus on regional viewership have enabled the company to retain strong advertiser relationships and audience loyalty. Their compensation highlights their role in preserving one of India’s most influential television networks.

What Do These Salaries Reflect?

High executive pay in India is now more tied to performance and results than ever before. These figures, including Abhay Bhutada's salary show how companies are rewarding those who consistently deliver and steer their organizations in the right direction.

There’s a growing trend where compensation is aligned with shareholder returns, credit ratings, and strategic outcomes. Leaders are expected to not only manage teams but to also create long-term value and stay prepared for unpredictable challenges.

The Sectoral Representation

These executives come from varied industries—financial services, automobiles, IT, infrastructure, and media. Their inclusion on this list shows that leadership is being recognized across all types of companies, not just in high-tech or global-facing sectors.

Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group, with his record-setting pay and social initiatives, represents a well-rounded profile of modern Indian leadership. His work through his foundation adds another dimension to his contribution.

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

Conclusion

The salaries earned by India’s top executives in 2024 bring attention to the scale of their responsibility and the value they create. This year, leaders like Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, and Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi showed what it means to guide large enterprises with clarity and commitment.

As companies continue to evolve and adapt, the debate around executive compensation will remain active. But what remains clear is that the individuals on this list have justified their earnings through business success, social responsibility, and forward-thinking strategies.