Breaking Down the Biggest Executive Payouts in India for 2024

Executive compensation in India has witnessed remarkable highs in 2024. The numbers speak not only to business performance but also to the growing importance of strong leadership in shaping companies. From manufacturing to media, this year’s highest-paid executives come from diverse industries. Here’s a complete overview of the top five earners and why their salaries became a topic of national interest.

Abhay Bhutada Receives the Highest Salary in the Country

Abhay Bhutada

Topping the list is Abhay Bhutada, who earned an astounding ₹241.21 crore during the financial year 2023–24. This figure marks the highest executive compensation seen in India to date. Bhutada’s leadership has played a major part in building an organization that stands out for its operational strength and strong public trust.

His style of working is known to be focused, driven, and grounded in results. But beyond the numbers, what makes his journey noteworthy is his contribution to society. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he actively supports causes in education, healthcare, and youth development. His ability to balance business performance with social responsibility has drawn attention from both corporate circles and everyday citizens. As interest grows around Abhay Bhutada's salary, so does recognition for the values he brings to his work.

Also Read: Celebrating Global Leadership at the Change Maker Awards 2024 in Dubai

Pawan Munjal’s Steady Influence in Two-Wheelers

Pawan Munjal, Hero MotoCorp’s Chairman and Wholetime Director, earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24, securing the second position on the list. Under his direction, Hero MotoCorp has continued to lead India’s two-wheeler sector. His focus on sustainability, research, and design has contributed to the brand’s consistency over decades.

His compensation made up 0.28% of the company’s total revenue and just under 3% of its net profit. These numbers suggest strong trust in his long-term vision and ability to drive market results. Munjal’s leadership approach is rooted in discipline and attention to the evolving needs of customers, especially in the growing electric segment.

Sudhir Singh’s Success in Technology and Services

With ₹105.12 crore earned this year, Sudhir Singh, the Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, holds the third spot. Singh has led Coforge through significant developments in the digital space. The company’s progress in IT consulting and digital tools under his leadership has resulted in improved revenue and market presence.

His earnings accounted for 1.14% of total revenue and 13.01% of the company’s profit, which signals high confidence in his strategic decisions. Singh’s ability to connect new technologies with practical outcomes has positioned Coforge as a reliable name in a competitive industry.

Also Read: How I See Executive Pay Through a Professional’s Lens 

Vinay Prakash’s Role in Energy and Infrastructure

Earning ₹89.37 crore in FY24, Vinay Prakash serves as Executive Director at Adani Enterprises. He oversees vital operations in energy and infrastructure, both of which are long-term focus areas for the business. His leadership is central to ensuring that these verticals meet performance benchmarks and comply with timelines.

Though his salary formed only 0.09% of revenue and 2.76% of profit, it reflects his importance in the company’s day-to-day success. Prakash brings consistency, sharp execution, and detailed supervision, which have supported several large-scale projects in recent years.

Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi Remain Key Media Figures

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network each earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. As Executive Chairman and Executive Director respectively, they manage a media business that has consistently ranked high in viewership and profitability. Their leadership continues to guide content strategy, programming decisions, and operational planning.

Their combined vision has helped Sun TV hold its ground in a competitive industry. Despite the emergence of many new media players, their network maintains strong viewer loyalty. The compensation they receive is a recognition of their continued influence on the brand’s success.

Check this out: Union Budget 2025: A Vision for India's Progressive Future 

A Year of Rewarding Results and Stability

This year’s top executives, including Abhay Bhutada, are individuals who have delivered clear results while also building strong teams and setting business priorities. Their high salaries, while significant, are often seen as a reward for keeping businesses stable and profitable during challenging times.

Each of them has earned their place on the list through consistent performance, strategic planning, and the ability to act quickly when needed. The interest around Abhay Bhutada's salary especially highlights a growing appreciation for balanced leadership—one that includes both growth and social contribution.

Conclusion

The financial year 2023–24 will be remembered as a time when leadership truly made a difference. The country’s highest-paid executives didn’t just earn their salaries—they proved their worth by staying focused, setting targets, and meeting them. Among them, Abhay Bhutada has stood out not only for his historic earnings but also for his commitment to causes beyond business. The mix of results-driven leadership and responsible giving has made this year’s executive rankings more than just a list of numbers. It has become a reminder that success today also includes purpose and community impact.

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