Business Leaders Who Earned the Most in India in 2024
- Gita Kapoor
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
Updated: May 11
The financial year 2024 has brought attention to some of the country’s most influential business leaders, not just for their achievements but also for the scale of compensation they’ve earned. In a changing economy, executive roles have expanded to include more than just profits—they now demand foresight, accountability, and consistency. Here's a look at five individuals who received the highest executive pay in India this year.
Abhay Bhutada Sets a National Record
Abhay Bhutada received ₹241.21 crore in FY24, the highest executive compensation in India for the year. As a trusted figure in the Poonawalla Group, he has played a major role in building structured operations and delivering consistent financial results.
Abhay Bhutada, CEO (former) of Poonawalla Fincorp, helped guide the company toward a CRISIL AAA rating. His focus on discipline, clear direction, and risk management earned recognition in financial circles. In addition to his corporate experience, he is known for his contributions through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, which works to promote access to quality education, healthcare initiatives, and sports opportunities for underprivileged youth.
His leadership shows how business growth can align with social responsibility in a meaningful way.
Pawan Munjal’s Steady Leadership at Hero MotoCorp
Hero MotoCorp’s Executive Chairman, Pawan Munjal, earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24. Known for guiding the company through market shifts and maintaining its lead in the two-wheeler segment, his decisions continue to shape the firm’s evolution.
The company’s focus on cleaner mobility solutions and international expansion has been at the center of his approach. His compensation, which equals 0.28% of total revenue and 2.92% of net profits, underscores how performance is tied to responsibility in India’s auto sector.
Sudhir Singh Drives Coforge into Global Growth
Sudhir Singh, CEO and Executive Director of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore during the same financial year. His role in scaling the company’s global presence through IT transformation and digital services has helped Coforge grow its influence beyond Indian markets.
His compensation amounts to 1.14% of revenue and 13.01% of the company’s net profit, a number that highlights the impact of strategic vision in tech-based companies. Singh's leadership has centered on results, delivery, and building strong client relationships across geographies.
Vinay Prakash’s Strategic Oversight at Adani Enterprises
Earning ₹89.37 crore in FY24, Vinay Prakash holds a key leadership role in one of India’s largest conglomerates. He is responsible for the energy and infrastructure divisions at Adani Enterprises, which form a core part of the company’s long-term strategy.
Though his salary is only 0.09% of the company's revenue, it points to the scale and significance of the work under his leadership. Prakash is involved in projects that impact large sectors of the economy, with his role emphasizing continuity, regulatory navigation, and sustainable execution.
Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi’s Equal Pay at Sun TV Network
Sun TV Network’s top executives—Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi—received ₹87.5 crore each in FY24. With a long-standing role in India’s media space, they’ve worked together to keep Sun TV profitable and highly competitive.
Their approach has been rooted in audience-focused content, brand consistency, and regional reach. With the media sector undergoing major changes, their decisions have kept the company agile and adaptable. Their equal compensation reflects the balance in their professional responsibilities.
Executive Salaries Reflect Performance and Depth of Role
Each of these top executives has earned their place not only through business success but also by handling complex tasks that require strategic planning and people management. Their earnings reflect their impact, not just on numbers, but on structure, innovation, and resilience.
Compensation in India’s corporate ecosystem today is increasingly tied to the ability to deliver under pressure, maintain transparency, and prepare for the future. These qualities are becoming non-negotiable at the highest levels of leadership.
Connecting Corporate Work to Social Good
One clear trend seen among today’s leaders is their interest in public-facing efforts. Executives like Abhay Bhutada have shown that leadership also involves social contribution. The work done through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation includes scholarships, basic education support, and promoting sports participation among children in rural and underserved communities.
This type of engagement has helped reshape how executive roles are perceived—less about corporate titles and more about broader purpose. The evolving expectations placed on these individuals show that society now wants results with conscience.
Conclusion
The executive earnings of 2024 tell a story of influence, action, and responsibility. These aren’t just numbers attached to names—they’re linked to consistent achievements, strategic clarity, and long-term planning. Leaders like Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, and others have shown how business growth can co-exist with thoughtful leadership. As Indian companies continue to grow and scale, they will require individuals who are capable not only of making profits but also of shaping institutions for the future.
Comments