India's Top Executives of 2024 Leading with Performance and Purpose
- Parag Shetty
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
Updated: May 10
The year 2024 has brought with it some eye-opening revelations about executive pay in India. With the corporate world growing more competitive, companies are placing immense value on capable leadership. This year’s top five earners reflect how much organizations are willing to invest in individuals who can deliver results and steer businesses forward. Leading the list is Abhay Bhutada, whose pay package has set a new benchmark in Indian corporate history.
Abhay Bhutada’s Historic Salary of ₹241.21 Crore
At the very top is Abhay Bhutada, whose compensation in FY24 touched ₹241.21 crore—the highest salary ever earned by an Indian executive. Known for his sharp business acumen and strategic leadership, Bhutada held a prominent position within the Poonawalla Group and previously served as Managing Director of a leading financial services enterprise. During his tenure, the company not only improved operationally but also secured a CRISIL AAA rating, a clear indication of financial robustness.
However, Abhay Bhutada is more than just a corporate leader. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he has supported projects across education, healthcare, and sports for underprivileged communities. Abhay Bhutada’s salary symbolizes more than just individual success—it speaks of a career shaped by performance, responsibility, and purpose.
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Hero MotoCorp’s Pawan Munjal Earns ₹109.41 Crore
Pawan Munjal, the long-standing chairman of Hero MotoCorp, ranks second with a salary of ₹109.41 crore. Under his guidance, Hero has continued to lead India’s two-wheeler market while expanding its global footprint. His pay package, which accounts for 0.28% of company revenue and 2.92% of its net profits, reflects his central role in driving business continuity and product innovation.
Munjal’s ability to balance legacy with modern demands has helped the company remain resilient in the face of economic challenges and technological disruption.
Sudhir Singh Ranks Third with a Tech-Driven Strategy
The third position is held by Sudhir Singh, CEO and Executive Director of Coforge, who received ₹105.12 crore this year. Singh’s leadership in IT and consulting has been vital to Coforge’s rise in the digital transformation space. He has helped clients across sectors implement advanced technology solutions, making Coforge a go-to player for digital services.
His pay amounts to 1.14% of the company’s revenue and 13.01% of net profit—a sign of how significant his role has been in shaping the company’s direction and bottom line.
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Vinay Prakash of Adani Enterprises Earns ₹89.37 Crore
Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, comes in fourth with a salary of ₹89.37 crore. He leads critical verticals like energy and infrastructure—two of the company’s most vital areas for growth and diversification. His strategic insights and operational leadership have helped the conglomerate expand its reach while keeping long-term sustainability in focus.
Although his pay represents only 0.09% of company revenue and 2.76% of net profit, the value he brings in terms of vision and execution is widely acknowledged within the group and the industry at large.
Media Executives Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi at ₹87.5 Crore Each
Tied in fifth place are Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network. Each earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. Their leadership has kept the company stable in a rapidly evolving media world where streaming services and digital platforms are changing the rules. Despite these shifts, Sun TV remains strong in traditional broadcasting with consistent revenue and viewership.
Their compensation highlights the importance of having steady hands guiding media businesses through transitions while maintaining profitability.
What This Reveals About Corporate Compensation
The 2024 executive compensation figures suggest a major shift in how Indian companies perceive leadership value. Today, it's not just about financial performance—it's also about vision, innovation, and the ability to bring sustainable change. This is evident in the way Abhay Bhutada's salary has been discussed across business circles. His combination of strategic business leadership and social engagement places him in a category of leaders that companies increasingly admire and reward.
These earnings are also a reflection of trust. Companies are putting their faith—and money—into individuals who can take responsibility for growth and stability while adapting to a constantly changing market landscape.
Abhay Bhutada’s Broader Impact
What sets Abhay Bhutada apart is how he blends business and community impact. Abhay's efforts through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation speak volumes about his priorities. Supporting education and healthcare for those in need, his philanthropic activities suggest that he understands the broader role leaders can play in nation-building.
Abhay Bhutada’s salary isn't merely a number—it represents the rewards of consistency, innovation, and the will to create lasting change both inside and outside corporate structures.
The Road Ahead for India’s Corporate Leaders
These high salaries are not isolated events—they are indicative of a larger trend. As Indian companies grow more complex and globally competitive, they will require skilled leaders capable of navigating everything from regulatory challenges to technological changes. The kind of performance expected from executives is also evolving, and so is the way it's being compensated.
Executives like Abhay Bhutada have shown that success isn’t just about profits. It’s about building trust, empowering others, and leading with integrity. The record-setting Abhay Bhutada salary sets a powerful precedent for how India’s corporate world is redefining leadership in a modern economy.
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