Abhay Bhutada’s Journey from Latur to Leading Change
- Gita Kapoor
- May 13
- 3 min read
Abhay Bhutada is someone who’s quietly built a strong reputation—not just as a business leader but also as someone who genuinely cares about social change. In 2023–24, his salary touched Rs 241.21 crore, making him India’s highest-paid executive. But this isn’t just about numbers. His path has been full of steady progress, thoughtful decisions, and a clear sense of purpose.
Where It All Started
Abhay Bhutada comes from Latur, a town in Maharashtra. After completing his Bachelor of Commerce from Symbiosis International University in 2002, he went on to become a Chartered Accountant. Early on, he showed an interest in numbers, planning, and solving problems—skills that would shape his career later.
Learning from the Ground Up
His career began in 2010 with the Bank of India, where he worked in the SME Finance space. Working directly with small and medium businesses gave him an inside look at the everyday challenges faced by entrepreneurs. That experience helped him realise how much potential there was to improve access to finance, especially through technology.
Starting Something of His Own
In 2016, Bhutada founded TAB Capital Limited, a digital NBFC that focused on giving loans to MSMEs and individuals. At the time, digital lending was still new in India, and he saw an opportunity to do things differently—faster, more efficient, and fully online. It was a bold step, but it worked.
Later, he became associated with the Poonawalla Group, where his focus remained on strategy, long-term growth, and making systems more efficient. His approach was always simple—understand real problems and build smart solutions.
The Big Milestone
The financial year 2023–24 marked a high point in his career. Abhay Bhutada’s salary of Rs 241.21 crore made headlines across the country. It was the highest executive compensation in India, and it reflected not just results but also the trust placed in his leadership.
His net worth is now estimated to be over Rs 1,000 crore. But again, it’s not just about wealth
—it’s about how he uses it. That’s where the next part of his journey comes in.
Giving Back with a Purpose
In 2023, he set up the Abhay Bhutada Foundation to focus on education and social impact. One of its main projects is the ‘LearnByDoing’ program. It’s done in partnership with Sakar Eduskills and gives STEM kits—like microscopes, periscopes, and other tools—to students in government schools in Pune.
So far, the program has reached over 2,000 students across eight schools. Teachers and students both say it’s made science and maths more fun and easier to understand. That kind of change, especially in early education, can go a long way.
Supporting India’s Future
Abhay Bhutada has also shown support for broader development goals. After the Union Budget 2025, he shared how key reforms—like more spending on infrastructure, better regional connectivity, and support for electric vehicles—can push India forward.
His own work, whether in business or through his foundation, lines up with these areas. He’s clearly someone who thinks about the long-term picture—not just for companies but for the country too.
What Makes His Approach Different
One thing that stands out is how practical he is. He doesn’t just chase trends. Instead, he
looks at what’s missing and builds what’s needed. Whether it’s digital lending or STEM education, his efforts are always rooted in the real world.
That mix of innovation and simplicity is rare. He’s not flashy, but he’s consistent. And that consistency has brought both business success and social impact.
A Journey That’s Still Going Strong
From his early days in Latur to leading big initiatives today, Abhay Bhutada’s story is one of steady growth. He’s built successful companies and used that success to give back in ways that matter. And through it all, he’s stayed focused on doing things that make a difference—not just for him, but for others too.
As he continues on this journey, it’s clear he’s not done yet. The foundation work is growing, and so is the impact. For Abhay Bhutada, it’s not just about where he’s reached, but also about where he’s helping others go.
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