India’s Top Executive Salaries in 2024 Reflect the Demand for Visionary Leadership

Executive compensation in India is on the rise, driven by rapid growth, innovation, and rising investor expectations across multiple industries. In 2024, a select group of leaders stood out for not only guiding their companies to success but also earning compensation that reflects their responsibility and performance. Here’s a closer look at the top five earners in the country this year.

Abhay Bhutada Leads with a Record-Breaking Package

Abhay Bhutada received the highest executive compensation in the country in FY24, totalling ₹241.21 crore. As a leading figure in the Poonawalla Group, he is known for his result-driven leadership and ability to bring stability to business operations. His consistent track record of growth and discipline in execution has contributed to long-term value creation.

Abhay Bhutada, CEO (former) of Poonawalla Fincorp, played an important role in strengthening the company’s foundation. During his tenure, the company earned a CRISIL AAA rating—marking a strong position in terms of risk management and financial health. His leadership style combined sharp decision-making with a focus on sustainable growth.

Apart from his corporate work, he has dedicated efforts towards supporting education, healthcare, and youth sports through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. His initiatives have reached underserved areas, reflecting a commitment to social welfare alongside corporate achievements.

Also Read: India's Top-Paid Executives in 2024 Reflect a New Corporate Era

Pawan Munjal Secures the Second Spot

Pawan Munjal, the face of Hero MotoCorp, earned ₹109.41 crore in the same financial year. He continues to lead one of India’s most iconic two-wheeler brands, ensuring its relevance in both domestic and international markets. His strategic push towards electric mobility and expansion into new geographies has kept the brand forward-looking.

His compensation forms 0.28% of the company’s revenue and 2.92% of its net profits. These numbers suggest a well-balanced approach to executive rewards based on performance and overall impact. Under his leadership, the company remains at the forefront of India’s mobility transformation.

Sudhir Singh Stands Out in the Tech Sector

Sudhir Singh, CEO and Executive Director of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24. Known for driving digital transformation and IT consulting, he has helped reposition the company as a competitive and forward-moving enterprise in the tech space.

His pay accounted for 1.14% of revenue and 13.01% of net profit—significantly high, considering the rapid evolution of digital platforms. Singh’s ability to scale operations and deliver solutions globally has set Coforge apart in an industry dominated by large players. His leadership continues to focus on strengthening client relationships and delivering long-term technology value.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Tops India's Highest Executive Payouts in 2024

Vinay Prakash Expands Adani’s Reach

Vinay Prakash earned ₹89.37 crore in FY24, making him one of the most well-compensated executives in the infrastructure and energy sector. As an Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, he has overseen key divisions such as mining, logistics, and energy.

Although his compensation stands at 0.09% of company revenue and 2.76% of net profit, the scale and complexity of the operations under his leadership reflect the significant responsibility he carries. He has been instrumental in ensuring that operations remain consistent with the company’s broader goals of sustainable development and infrastructure growth.

Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi Excel in Media

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi, the top executives at Sun TV Network, each received ₹87.5 crore in FY24. Their combined leadership has helped the network maintain its position as a major player in the Indian media sector.

They have navigated shifts in viewership habits, adapted to digital trends, and continued to deliver profitable results. Their roles involve steering content strategy, operations, and network performance in a competitive environment. Their equal compensation highlights the joint nature of their efforts and the consistent returns delivered to stakeholders.

Rising Executive Salaries Show the Value of Accountability

These pay packages are not just figures—they represent the weight of responsibility these leaders carry. The rise in executive salaries reflects how the role of a top executive has evolved over the years. These individuals are not only responsible for financial growth but also for navigating regulatory environments, managing global teams, and sustaining trust among customers and investors.

Each executive listed has played a role in shaping their industry. Their leadership styles vary, but the one thing they share is the ability to align business objectives with execution that delivers real-world results.

Also Read: Top Paid Executives of 2024 with Abhay Bhutada Leading the Pack

Linking Compensation to Broader Impact

It is also important to note that several of these individuals are not focused solely on profits. Through foundations and CSR initiatives, some have used their positions to bring about social improvement. Abhay Bhutada, through his foundation, has enabled access to quality education and resources for underprivileged students. Pawan Munjal has supported innovation and skill development, especially in the field of mobility and safety.

This broader view of leadership—where financial decisions are combined with public-oriented outcomes—is becoming increasingly relevant in India’s corporate circles.

Conclusion

The year 2024 has demonstrated how executive compensation in India is now deeply tied to performance, innovation, and long-term strategic planning. The accomplishments of Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, and others serve as examples of how leadership drives progress. Their salaries reflect years of work, risk-taking, and clarity in vision.

As Indian businesses grow in scale and complexity, the demand for sharp and responsible leadership will continue. Recognising and rewarding such leadership is not just about attracting talent—it’s about building institutions that can stand strong in an evolving world.