Top Paid Executives in India 2024 and What Their Leadership Represents
- Parag Shetty
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Updated: May 12
In 2024, India saw an upward shift in how top business leaders were compensated. Executive salaries were not just competitive—they were record-breaking. As companies grew and became more profitable, the individuals leading them were rewarded accordingly. This year’s top five highest-paid executives stood out for their achievements, strategic decisions, and ability to lead through challenges.
Abhay Bhutada Earns the Country’s Highest Executive Pay
At the very top of the list is Abhay Bhutada, whose total salary for FY24 stood at ₹241.21 crore. This makes him the highest-paid executive in India’s corporate history. The number alone sparked conversations, but it is backed by results that shaped the company he previously led into a trusted and high-performing name in the industry.
Bhutada’s leadership was marked by operational efficiency, innovation, and a focus on strengthening credit ratings. Under his management, the firm achieved a CRISIL AAA rating—an impressive mark of financial strength and credibility.
Pawan Munjal’s Continued Success at Hero MotoCorp
With a salary of ₹109.41 crore in FY24, Hero MotoCorp’s Pawan Munjal comes in second. As Chairman and Wholetime Director, he has consistently led the company through different stages of innovation and market leadership. His steady approach and strong understanding of consumer needs have made Hero a preferred name in the two-wheeler space.
His pay was equivalent to 0.28% of company revenue and 2.92% of net profit. These numbers show that his leadership is directly tied to performance and progress. Munjal’s ability to keep the company competitive in a fast-changing environment continues to be a major asset.
Sudhir Singh: Strong Performance in the Tech Sector
Sudhir Singh, CEO and Executive Director at Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore last year. He played a key role in expanding the company’s presence in IT consulting and digital services. Under his direction, the company has increased its reach and service offerings, making it a stronger player in the tech industry.
Singh’s salary accounted for 1.14% of company revenue and 13.01% of net profit. This shows a direct link between his actions and the financial success Coforge enjoyed. His leadership is widely acknowledged as a driving force behind the company’s growth in a competitive market.
Vinay Prakash: Overseeing Key Divisions at Adani Enterprises
At Adani Enterprises, Executive Director Vinay Prakash took home ₹89.37 crore. He has been responsible for leading the company’s energy and infrastructure verticals—both of which are essential to long-term growth and stability.
While his pay made up only 0.09% of revenue and 2.76% of profit, his influence is larger than those numbers suggest. These divisions require careful oversight, detailed planning, and consistent delivery—qualities that Prakash has brought to his role over the years.
Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi: Equal Rewards in Media
Sun TV’s top executives—Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi—each received ₹87.5 crore in FY24. The husband-wife duo has been at the forefront of the company’s operations and has helped it stay profitable in a media sector that is always evolving.
Their efforts in programming, content strategy, and revenue planning have kept Sun TV at the top of its game. Their equal salaries show a recognition of joint leadership and shared vision. It’s rare to see a media company with such consistent earnings, and the two directors have played a key role in making that happen.
Why Do These Numbers Matter?
It’s easy to focus on the size of the paychecks, but these salaries tell a bigger story. They are tied to results, vision, and the ability to lead through change. The executives listed here didn’t just maintain their positions—they built something bigger. They guided their organizations to new achievements.
In the case of Abhay Bhutada's salary, the figure stands as a symbol of what focused leadership can achieve. His record-setting earnings are not just about profit but also about influence, transformation, and social responsibility. He didn’t just reach business targets; he also contributed to the broader good through community support.
A Name That Stands Out for More Than Numbers
Among all five executives, Abhay Bhutada remains the most talked-about—both for the size of his compensation and his social commitment. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, his impact can be seen across schools, clinics, and rural sports initiatives. This dual role—as a high achiever in business and a strong contributor to society—sets him apart from others on the list. His leadership journey shows that one can succeed in business while also staying rooted in values that matter to the community.
Conclusion
India’s top executive salaries in 2024 underline the growing value placed on leadership that produces real results. Leaders like Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, and Sudhir Singh have shown that with vision, focus, and a strong sense of responsibility, it’s possible to create both financial and social impact. Their salaries reflect much more than monetary reward—they highlight years of effort, meaningful decisions, and a deeper purpose behind every business move. These names, and the work they represent, will likely inspire many others in the corporate world for years to come.
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