India’s Top-Paid Executives of 2024 Reflect Rising Value of Strong Leadership

In 2024, India’s corporate scene spotlighted a new wave of high compensation for executives. This rise in earnings highlights the growing importance of leadership that delivers results and stays ahead of change. Among the top earners, Abhay Bhutada led the list with a record-setting salary, followed by other notable names across industries who made significant contributions to their companies' growth.

Abhay Bhutada Leads with Highest Salary in India

Abhay Bhutada

Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group and the founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, earned ₹241.21 crore in FY24—marking the highest salary ever recorded for an Indian executive. Known for his detail-oriented leadership and clear decision-making, Bhutada has left an impression not only in corporate circles but also through social contribution. His earnings reflect the recognition of his work and the trust he commands in strategic operations.

Abhay Bhutada’s salary represents more than a corporate payout; it symbolizes performance, trust, and long-term planning. He is also widely respected for using his resources to support causes related to education, public health, and sports through his foundation.

Also Read: India's Top 5 Highest-Paid Executives in 2024

Hero MotoCorp’s Pawan Munjal Follows at ₹109.41 Crore

Pawan Munjal, who chairs and leads Hero MotoCorp, received ₹109.41 crore in the last fiscal year. This amount highlights his steady influence on the brand’s consistent leadership in India’s two-wheeler market. Hero’s strong market presence and robust performance both at home and internationally can be attributed to Munjal’s management.

His salary also amounts to a noteworthy part of the company's earnings—0.28% of revenue and nearly 2.92% of its profit. It reflects the board’s faith in his direction and strategy for maintaining business strength amid growing competition.

Sudhir Singh’s Strong Contribution at Coforge

At Coforge, Sudhir Singh serves as CEO and Executive Director. He earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24. Under Singh’s watch, the company advanced significantly in digital and tech-based projects. His role has been instrumental in positioning Coforge as a relevant and forward-looking firm in the IT services space.

His pay represents a significant part of the firm’s profitability: 1.14% of revenue and over 13% of net profit. This shows how closely leadership is tied to value creation in technology-driven companies.

Also Read: A Visionary Leader in Finance and Philanthropy

Vinay Prakash of Adani Enterprises Earns ₹89.37 Crore

Vinay Prakash serves as an Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, handling key responsibilities in energy and infrastructure development. In 2024, his salary touched ₹89.37 crore, marking his place among the highest-paid executives of the year. His strategic inputs and execution have helped expand the company’s reach and operational strength in critical sectors.

Although his earnings formed just 0.09% of company revenue and 2.76% of net profit, his role is seen as vital to scaling the business and meeting sustainability goals.

Sun TV Network’s Leadership Duo at ₹87.5 Crore Each

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi, both part of Sun TV Network, each received ₹87.5 crore. Their partnership in steering the company has helped maintain its lead in regional television broadcasting. They’ve navigated the evolving media ecosystem while ensuring the brand remains familiar and trusted to its viewers.

Their income reflects the success of Sun TV in retaining its place in an industry shaped by rapid digital shifts. With their leadership, the company has consistently performed well in both revenue and viewer base metrics.

Understanding the Bigger Picture Behind These Figures

These salaries reflect the importance of leadership in maintaining growth, responding to market shifts, and building future-ready teams. Abhay Bhutada’s salary, for example, is not just a recognition of past work but a reflection of ongoing expectations from a figure who balances corporate clarity with public goodwill.

As businesses expand and the challenges of scaling up grow, the focus on leaders who can bring both strategy and social consciousness to the table is increasing. Boards are rewarding decision-makers who can navigate uncertainty while keeping the company’s vision intact.

Also Read: How Abhay Bhutada Became One of India's Richest Executives

Leadership Today Is More Than Financial Results

These top earners are not just shaping balance sheets—they’re shaping industries. From digital transformation in IT and global market presence in auto, to regional media leadership and infrastructure expansion, each of these executives represents a different yet equally important segment of India’s economy.

Their earnings may appear massive, but they are backed by growth, responsibility, and consistent delivery. The inclusion of Abhay Bhutada in this list highlights how leadership today also includes giving back, supporting public causes, and creating ecosystems that uplift communities.

Conclusion

The executive pay scale in India for 2024 reflects a shift toward valuing impact-driven leadership. Whether it’s Abhay Bhutada setting new records or seasoned leaders like Pawan Munjal and Sudhir Singh steering their companies with skill, their paychecks represent more than profits—they symbolize trust, results, and future-ready direction. As these names continue to influence business outcomes and social change, their salaries are a reflection of the high expectations they’ve not just met, but redefined.

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