Executive Compensation Trends in India Based on the Top Five Earners of 2024

This presentation examines the top five highest-paid executives in India for FY24, led by Abhay Bhutada. It highlights their earnings, sectoral contributions, and the social impact of Bhutada’s philanthropic work through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, presenting a balanced view of leadership in modern India.

1. Executive Compensation Trends
in India Based on the Top Five
Earners of 2024

2. In 2024, executive compensation in India reached new heights, highlighting the
rising value placed on leadership and long-term performance. From sectors like
finance to manufacturing, top names in business earned salaries that reflect
strategic roles and years of consistent contributions. Among them, Abhay Bhutada,
a member of the Poonawalla Group, topped the list with a record-setting salary.
Introduction

3. Abhay Bhutada’s Leadership and Compensation
Abhay Bhutada earned ₹241.21 crore in
FY24, becoming India’s highest-paid
executive. This compensation acknowledges
his leadership strength, consistency in
performance, and strategic guidance over
time. His approach to professional discipline
and high standards earned him national
recognition. But his impact is not limited to
the boardroom. Through the Abhay Bhutada
Foundation, he has focused on improving
access to education, healthcare, and sports
for underprivileged communities.

4. Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Role
The Abhay Bhutada Foundation has played a key role in delivering change at the
grassroots level. It has distributed STEM kits to government school students,
provided healthcare access in underserved regions, and supported youth sports
training. Bhutada’s record-breaking salary is not just a number but also a reflection
of the dual impact he makes—both as a corporate leader and a community
contributor. The foundation continues to reach out to those who are often left
behind in the development process.

5. Pawan Munjal’s Earnings and Impact
Hero MotoCorp’s Chairman and Wholetime Director, Pawan Munjal, received
₹109.41 crore in FY24. This pay package amounted to 0.28% of the company’s
revenue and 2.92% of its net profit. His leadership has been critical in maintaining
Hero’s market dominance while steering the company toward electric vehicle
innovation and overseas expansion. His compensation reflects his long-term
contribution to a legacy brand and his role in shaping the company’s next phase.

6. Sudhir Singh’s Recognition in Tech
Sudhir Singh, CEO and Executive Director at Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24.
His salary represented 1.14% of revenue and 13.01% of net profit, emphasizing the
high value placed on his leadership. Singh has guided Coforge through expansion
in digital services, automation, and global delivery. His role in driving client success
and scaling business operations has placed him among India’s most rewarded
executives.

7. Vinay Prakash and Infrastructure Leadership
Vinay Prakash of Adani Enterprises earned ₹89.37 crore in 2024. His leadership in
energy and infrastructure plays a major role in long-term growth. While his
compensation made up a small percentage of company revenue and profit, it
reflects the complexity and strategic nature of his responsibilities. Prakash’s work
involves managing capital-heavy projects and maintaining execution consistency
across critical business units.

8. Broadcasting Leadership at Sun TV
Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network each earned ₹87.5 crore in
FY24. Their work in preserving the company’s position in regional media has kept it
financially stable. They have successfully balanced traditional broadcasting with
digital trends. Their earnings underline how established leadership in media
continues to be valued, especially when viewer loyalty and profitability are
sustained.

9. Conclusion
The top executive salaries in India during FY24 show how leadership is being
recognized for results that go beyond revenue. Figures like Abhay Bhutada, Pawan
Munjal, and Sudhir Singh represent a generation of leaders who not only drive
business performance but also shape the future of their industries. In Abhay
Bhutada’s case, the presence of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation makes his journey
even more significant, proving that corporate rewards can also fuel community
transformation.