Highest Executive Salaries in India for 2024 Uncovered
- Parag Shetty
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
Updated: May 12
The financial year 2024 saw a dramatic rise in executive earnings across Indian industries. While some may view these numbers as just compensation packages, they actually speak volumes about leadership, accountability, and measurable success. Executives today are expected to deliver strong outcomes, handle dynamic challenges, and drive forward-looking strategies. Their pay is often linked to how well they accomplish these goals.
Among the standout names this year is Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, whose income topped the list by a wide margin. Along with four other top-performing leaders, his story highlights the connection between performance and recognition at the highest levels of Indian business.
Abhay Bhutada Takes the Lead
In 2024, Abhay Bhutada became the highest-paid executive in India’s corporate sector with a staggering ₹241.21 crore in total earnings. His leadership at a leading financial services company brought the company significant financial progress and credibility. One of the biggest highlights during his time as Managing Director and CEO was achieving a CRISIL AAA rating—something that reflects a company’s top-level financial health, stability, and transparency.
Bhutada’s role wasn’t just about meeting targets. He steered the company during a time of transformation and made sure operations stayed efficient and focused. His decisions contributed directly to boosting shareholder confidence and market presence. However, what makes Abhay Bhutada even more notable is that his success did not stop at corporate milestones.
Outside the boardroom, he directs his energy into helping society. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he actively supports underserved communities with better access to healthcare, learning tools, and sports equipment. These programs are not symbolic—they are well-structured and designed to bring real change. As Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, his image represents a blend of professional achievement and social contribution.
Also Read: Shaping the Future Through Leadership
Pawan Munjal Continues to Guide Hero MotoCorp
Hero MotoCorp’s Pawan Munjal, who earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24, holds the second spot among India’s top-paid executives. As Chairman and Wholetime Director, his leadership has been instrumental in making Hero one of the most recognized and trusted two-wheeler brands in the country.
His salary made up 0.28% of the company’s total revenue and 2.92% of its net profit, underlining how closely his role is tied to business results. Under Munjal’s guidance, the company has consistently evolved its product portfolio while maintaining strong supply chain and manufacturing capacity.
Sudhir Singh Drives Coforge’s Growth in IT Services
Sudhir Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24, placing him in the third position. Singh has played a central role in expanding the company’s IT consulting and digital transformation services. He brought in new clients, retained existing ones, and ensured that Coforge kept pace with global tech demands.
His remuneration accounted for 1.14% of revenue and 13.01% of net profit, clearly tying compensation to delivery. Singh’s hands-on approach, paired with his understanding of how to align operations with client needs, has helped the company maintain healthy financials and steady momentum.
Vinay Prakash Holds Key Responsibilities at Adani Enterprises
Vinay Prakash earned ₹89.37 crore in FY24 as the Executive Director of Adani Enterprises. He currently manages the company’s energy and infrastructure verticals—two areas essential to Adani’s core business model and growth targets.
Even though his compensation formed only 0.09% of revenue and 2.76% of profit, the weight of his responsibilities is significant. Managing infrastructure and energy operations on a national scale demands detailed planning, execution, and adaptability. Prakash’s ability to keep these functions on track has been central to Adani’s performance and long-term plans.
Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi Keep Sun TV on Top
At ₹87.5 crore each, Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi round off the top five highest-paid executives in India for 2024. As the Executive Chairman and Executive Director of Sun TV Network, the duo has worked together to keep the channel competitive and profitable in a fast-changing media environment.
They have guided Sun TV through shifts in viewer preferences, digital transformation, and content diversification. Their salaries reflect years of leadership that consistently brings financial returns, audience engagement, and operational balance.
What These Figures Truly Represent
Executive salaries at this level are not just about financial reward—they represent responsibility, performance, and the faith companies place in these individuals. In highly competitive industries, these leaders are expected to manage resources effectively, make timely decisions, and ensure that their companies remain stable and forward-moving.
Among them, Abhay Bhutada stands out not just for earning the highest salary but for his approach to giving back. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation shows how business success can be used as a tool to improve real-world conditions for those who are often left behind. His journey demonstrates that personal achievement can be linked with community advancement.
Conclusion
The top five executive earners in India for 2024—Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, and the Maran duo—are not just names on a list. They are individuals who shaped the direction of their companies, faced pressure to deliver outcomes, and proved themselves capable in every sense. Their compensation packages serve as recognition of leadership that delivers results. As India’s business world becomes more complex, it will be leaders like these who continue to define progress and impact across industries and society.
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