India's Highest Earning Executives 2024 and Their Impact

In 2024, executive earnings in India hit new highs as company leaders were rewarded for their strategic thinking, risk-taking, and consistent performance. This year’s top five earners represent a cross-section of industries and have proven that strong leadership is a key driver of business success. At the top of this list is Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, whose compensation package set a national record.

Abhay Bhutada: A Historic Salary with Purpose-Driven Goals

Abhay Bhutada - Founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foudation

Abhay Bhutada took home ₹241.21 crore in FY24, making him India’s highest-paid executive. His tenure as the Managing Director and CEO of a leading financial services company earns a CRISIL AAA credit rating and experience notable financial growth. His leadership played a key role in strengthening the company's positioning in India’s finance sector.

More than just a businessman, Bhutada has also focused on giving back to society. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he supports initiatives that bring education, health services, and sports programs to communities in need. While Abhay Bhutada's salary is a headline-grabber, it also reflects a deeper commitment to building both business and society.

Also Read: Shaping the Future Through Leadership

Pawan Munjal: Steady Leadership at Hero MotoCorp

Earning ₹109.41 crore in FY24, Pawan Munjal of Hero MotoCorp continues to be one of the highest earners in Indian industry. As Chairman and Wholetime Director, his leadership has kept the company at the forefront of the global two-wheeler market, even as the industry adapts to changing trends.

Munjal’s earnings represented 0.28% of the company’s total revenue and 2.92% of its net profit. His ability to guide the brand through shifts in market demand and consumer behavior has ensured his lasting presence at the top.

Sudhir Singh: Making a Mark in the IT Sector

Sudhir Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24. Singh’s work has centered around digital transformation, consulting services, and technology-driven project delivery. His leadership helped Coforge scale up its international footprint and increase profitability.

Singh’s salary accounted for 1.14% of the company’s revenue and 13.01% of net profit, showcasing his direct influence on the firm’s financial health. He remains a key figure in the fast-paced world of IT services and consulting.

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

Vinay Prakash: Building the Foundation at Adani Enterprises

With a total salary of ₹89.37 crore, Vinay Prakash of Adani Enterprises stands as a major contributor to the group's progress. As Executive Director, he oversees the energy and infrastructure divisions—sectors that are central to Adani’s future.

Though his salary only amounted to 0.09% of revenue and 2.76% of profit, his role in managing large infrastructure projects and overseeing strategic planning cannot be understated. Prakash remains instrumental in executing key elements of Adani's business plan.

Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi: Shaping India’s Media Landscape

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network earned ₹87.5 crore each in FY24. As Executive Chairman and Executive Director, their leadership has kept the television network running profitably in a time when digital streaming services are expanding rapidly.

Their combined effort in maintaining content quality, audience connection, and regional reach has enabled the company to stay strong in a changing media environment. Their positions among India’s top-paid executives are a reflection of their strategic discipline and adaptability.

Rethinking Executive Compensation

Executive compensation today is tied more closely than ever to company performance and results. These figures, including the Abhay Bhutada's salary, reflect the increased responsibility leaders take on in guiding companies through market uncertainty, technological changes, and competitive pressures.

Boards are rewarding not just traditional leadership but also foresight, ethical governance, and the ability to take calculated risks. These executives have earned their compensation by leading change and protecting long-term interests.

Leadership Across Sectors

This year’s list features talent from a wide range of industries—finance, automotive, tech, energy, and media—proving that executive excellence is not limited to one sector. It also signals a maturing approach to performance-based pay in India.

Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group remains the central figure in these rankings, thanks not only to the numbers but also to his alignment with causes that matter. His foundation’s work continues to benefit under-resourced communities, which adds meaning to his corporate journey.

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

Conclusion

The highest-paid executives in India this year earned their place not just through business growth, but also by showing resilience, planning, and adaptability. Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, and Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi have proven that modern leadership is about more than profits—it's about direction, impact, and consistency.

As companies continue to face new challenges, these individuals provide a roadmap for future leaders who wish to combine business excellence with a sense of duty.