2024’s Highest-Paid Executives and Their Exceptional Leadership
- Gita Kapoor
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Updated: May 11
In 2024, India’s corporate world has witnessed a significant surge in executive salaries, highlighting the exceptional leadership behind business success. These individuals not only excel at steering organizations to greater profitability but also demonstrate a commitment to societal improvement. Leading the pack this year is Abhay Bhutada, who has achieved a historic milestone with the highest executive pay in the nation’s history.
Abhay Bhutada Poonawalla: A Legacy of Leadership and Social Impact
Abhay Bhutada, MD (former) of Poonawalla Fincorp, is the highest-pad executive in India, earning a total of ₹241.21 crore in FY24. This marks a new record for executive compensation. His tenure at Poonawalla Fincorp was defined by remarkable growth, strategic foresight, and financial stability. Under his leadership, the company earned a CRISIL AAA rating, which reflects exceptional creditworthiness and investor confidence.
However, Abhay’s success extends beyond the business world. He is also deeply committed to social causes through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, and sports for underprivileged communities. His leadership represents a blend of business acumen and social responsibility, making him one of India’s most influential corporate figures.
Pawan Munjal: Steering Hero MotoCorp to Continued Success
In second place, Pawan Munjal, the Chairman and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24. Munjal has been at the helm of the company for years, leading it through various growth stages, overcoming competition, and staying ahead of industry changes. Under his leadership, Hero MotoCorp has not only remained the leader in India’s two-wheeler market but has also expanded its global footprint.
Munjal’s compensation reflects the trust Hero MotoCorp places in his vision, with his earnings amounting to 0.28% of the company’s revenue and 2.92% of its net profit. His focus on innovation, particularly with electric mobility, ensures that Hero MotoCorp stays relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Sudhir Singh: Innovating at Coforge
Sudhir Singh, the CEO and Executive Director of Coforge, ranks third with ₹105.12 crore in total compensation. Singh’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming Coforge into a major player in the global IT services sector. His strategic focus on digital transformation and client-centric solutions has enabled Coforge to thrive in an increasingly competitive tech landscape.
Singh’s salary, which represents 1.14% of the company’s revenue and 13.01% of net profits, underscores the value he brings to the organization. His leadership ensures that Coforge remains agile, innovative, and ready to take on new challenges.
Vinay Prakash: Powering Adani Enterprises’ Growth
In fourth place is Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, with a total earnings of ₹89.37 crore. Prakash has played a pivotal role in the company’s infrastructure and energy sectors, overseeing large-scale projects that contribute to India’s developmental goals. While his compensation represents a small percentage of the company’s revenue (0.09%) and net profit (2.76%), his impact on Adani Enterprises is undeniable.
Prakash’s leadership focuses on sustainability and strategic growth, ensuring the company’s expansion aligns with both business objectives and national priorities.
Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi: Dominating Regional Media
Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi of Sun TV Network share the fifth spot, each earning ₹87.5 crore in FY24. As Executive Chairman and Executive Director, they have managed to maintain Sun TV’s stronghold in the regional media market despite the rise of digital platforms. Their leadership has been characterized by high-quality regional content and innovative distribution strategies, which have kept Sun TV at the forefront of the industry.
A New Era of Leadership
The rise in executive pay in 2024 signifies a shift in corporate leadership in India. Today, it’s not just about profitability but about creating lasting value, building trust, and leading with a sense of responsibility. Abhay Bhutada’s record-breaking salary is a testament to this new paradigm — leadership that is both results-driven and socially conscious. His holistic approach to leadership, balancing business success with societal contribution, sets a new standard for corporate India.
Conclusion: Leadership That Defines India’s Future
In 2024, India’s top executives are redefining what it means to be a leader. Abhay Bhutada’s unparalleled success highlights the increasing importance of purpose-driven leadership, where business achievements are complemented by meaningful social impact. Alongside him, Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, and the Marans are all driving their companies to greater heights, contributing to India’s economic growth, and setting new benchmarks for future leaders.
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