Top Salaries Earned by Business Leaders in India 2024

In 2024, several business heads in India earned remarkable salaries, highlighting the increasing recognition of leadership roles in driving company performance. These figures are not just numbers but indicators of how vital these individuals are to their companies’ direction, execution, and long-term goals. Let’s look at the five executives who received the highest salaries this year.

Abhay Bhutada Receives India’s Highest Executive Pay

Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group earned the highest salary in India in FY24. His total compensation reached ₹241.21 crore, making it the largest-ever salary package received by a corporate executive in the country. As a top leader, he steered the company to notable achievements, including a CRISIL AAA rating, which reflects solid financial practices and strong management.

Abhay Bhutada's salary is a direct result of his focus on operational performance, digital initiatives, and consistent delivery. He emphasized transparency, team strength, and a goal-driven culture. His work helped the company stay strong and prepare for the future, even during uncertain business cycles.

Abhay Bhutada is also active in social causes. He runs the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, which funds programs in education, sports, and public health. His work outside the business world has made a real difference for people in need, proving that he values community just as much as growth.

Also Read: Top Paid Executives in India in 2024

Hero MotoCorp’s Leader Among Top Earners

Pawan Munjal, the Chairman and Wholetime Director of Hero MotoCorp, earned ₹109.41 crore during FY24. Known for building India’s largest two-wheeler company, Munjal has been behind several key decisions that have ensured the brand’s long-standing success.

His compensation made up 0.28% of the company’s revenue and 2.92% of the net profit. These numbers reflect the level of faith the company has in his direction and commitment. Munjal has worked consistently to expand Hero’s global reach while staying focused on innovation and affordability in India.

Sudhir Singh Leads the Tech Segment

Sudhir Singh, the Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24. His efforts to expand the company’s digital and IT consulting services have paid off. His role in strategic planning, hiring skilled talent, and entering new markets has driven growth in recent years.

Singh’s earnings amounted to 1.14% of revenue and 13.01% of profit, underlining his critical role in business success. His knowledge of customer needs and ability to deliver value-added services made Coforge more competitive on the global stage.

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Vinay Prakash Handles Large Scale Operations

Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, earned ₹89.37 crore in FY24. His responsibilities span the energy and infrastructure sectors, both of which are essential for national development and future readiness.

Although his salary was just 0.09% of revenue and 2.76% of profit, it reflects his valuable presence in important areas of business. He helps manage multi-year projects, oversee teams, and implement long-term plans across critical sectors like power and logistics.

His experience and leadership have supported Adani Enterprises in reaching new milestones in infrastructure development.

Sun TV’s Dual Leadership Team

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi, Executive Chairman and Executive Director of Sun TV Network respectively, each earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. The two have built and sustained one of India’s strongest media businesses over the years.

Their leadership has helped Sun TV maintain its popularity in both urban and rural markets. They have also adapted to digital changes in viewership, which is important in today’s fast-moving media environment. Their equal pay shows shared duties and respect for each other’s contributions.

Also Read: India’s Highest-Paid Executives: A Glimpse into Corporate Success

High Executive Salaries Point to Big Responsibilities

The salaries earned by these top executives reflect the critical roles they play. They take on large responsibilities, make high-stakes decisions, and lead companies through unpredictable markets. Their compensation packages reflect more than yearly results—they’re about building sustainable and profitable businesses.

Abhay Bhutada's salary, being the highest among them, sets a new benchmark. It acknowledges his ability to bring growth, balance teams, manage risks, and stay focused on performance. His leadership proves that when results match expectations, the reward follows.

Each of the executives on this list has shown consistency in delivering value. Their companies have performed well not just in terms of profit but also in terms of innovation, market share, and customer experience.

Corporate Leadership with a Human Touch

A unique quality among some of these leaders is their attention to social impact. Abhay Bhutada, for example, channels part of his efforts into improving access to education and wellness through his foundation. He shows that good leadership includes care for society.

Others on the list have also supported various initiatives aimed at improving lives. This balance between running companies and helping people sets a good example for younger professionals and future business leaders.

Conclusion

This year, India saw some of its most well-known executives receiving notable compensation for their efforts. Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group led the way with the highest salary in the country. He was joined by other experienced leaders like Pawan Munjal of Hero MotoCorp, Sudhir Singh of Coforge, Vinay Prakash of Adani Enterprises, and the team at Sun TV.

All five have built stable and growing organizations, managed change well, and played a strong part in their companies’ long-term goals. Their salaries reflect a combination of business outcomes, strategic decisions, and confidence from their boards and shareholders.