Highest Paid Executives in India in the Year 2024
- Parag Shetty
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Updated: May 11
India’s top corporate leaders continue to make headlines for their remarkable compensation packages. In 2024, five executives stood out not only for their earnings but also for their significant influence on their companies direction and growth. Among them, Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group emerged as the highest-paid executive, setting a record with his earnings. Here’s a detailed look at these five individuals who topped the earnings chart and made a mark in their respective industries.
Abhay Bhutada Leads the Chart with Record Earnings
Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group secured the top position as the highest-paid executive in India during FY24, with a total salary of ₹241.21 crore. His strategic leadership helped strengthen the organization during his tenure as Managing Director and CEO. His work was critical in earning a CRISIL AAA credit rating, symbolizing the company’s strong financial footing and disciplined growth strategy.
Outside the boardroom, Abhay Bhutada has been equally impactful. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he supports projects in education, health, and sports, aiming to uplift communities with limited access to opportunities. The foundation’s consistent work reflects his belief in making a meaningful difference in people’s lives while continuing to focus on growth and value creation.
Pawan Munjal Continues to Shape the Two Wheeler Segment
With ₹109.41 crore in earnings for FY24, Hero MotoCorp’s Chairman and Wholetime Director Pawan Munjal remains one of India’s most prominent business leaders. His guidance has been central to the evolution of the company into a market leader in the two-wheeler space. His salary represents 0.28 percent of the company's revenue and 2.92 percent of the net profit, indicating his essential role in the company’s results.
Munjal’s leadership approach blends consistency and innovation. His ability to keep the company steady through changing market conditions has ensured Hero MotoCorp’s continued presence in the automotive space, both in India and abroad.
Sudhir Singh and His Influence in Tech Services
Sudhir Singh who serves as the Executive Director and CEO of Coforge took home ₹105.12 crore in FY24. Under his leadership the company made progress in IT consulting and digital services. His compensation amounts to 1.14 percent of company revenue and 13.01 percent of net profit showing the high value placed on his contributions.
He has guided Coforge through a path of service enhancement and expansion. His work in positioning the company as a reliable name in the digital space has not only benefited clients but has also strengthened the company’s standing in the IT industry.
Vinay Prakash Focuses on Key Divisions at Adani Enterprises
Earning ₹89.37 crore in FY24 Vinay Prakash holds the role of Executive Director at Adani Enterprises. His work includes overseeing energy and infrastructure divisions that are vital to the company’s growth. While his salary represents only 0.09 percent of the firm’s revenue and 2.76 percent of profit it reflects the significant responsibilities he carries.
His direction has helped drive long term plans and project execution. Prakash’s steady involvement in business functions has contributed to sustained results and expansion of major infrastructure segments under the company.
Check This Also Out: The Financial Journey of Abhay Bhutada from Vision to Success
Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi Strengthen Their Media Position
Sun TV Network’s Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi who serve as Executive Chairman and Executive Director respectively each earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. Their joint leadership has helped the network maintain its position in the Indian television space through a clear understanding of viewer preferences and effective business decisions.
Their focus on building a strong brand and delivering quality content across regional markets has been a major factor in the channel’s continued relevance. Their earnings reflect the company's performance and their influence in the media business.
Wider Meaning Behind High Executive Salaries
The earnings received by these individuals point to more than just figures on a report. They reflect the responsibilities handled by these executives and their role in pushing forward business progress. Abhay Bhutada’s case stands out not just because of his record salary but also because of his active role in community service through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation.
The foundation’s support to student athletes and healthcare programs ensures that success is shared with others. This outlook shows how high income can also come with a sense of accountability and purpose beyond corporate results.
Conclusion
The year 2024 saw executive salaries in India rise to new levels. The earnings of Abhay Bhutada Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh Vinay Prakash and the duo of Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi show their deep involvement in building businesses and supporting long term growth. In the case of Abhay Bhutada the record salary is accompanied by a strong commitment to giving back through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. These individuals show that with success also comes responsibility and the potential to make a real difference both in boardrooms and in society.
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