India’s Top Corporate Leaders Set New Benchmarks in Executive Pay

The year 2024 turned out to be remarkable for executive compensation in India. With evolving business strategies, digital adoption, and sector-specific growth, several corporate leaders earned record-breaking salaries. Their income reflects more than just high-value numbers—it tells a story of strategic direction, accountability, and sustained contribution to the development of their companies and sectors.

Abhay Bhutada Tops the List with Unprecedented Earnings

Abhay Bhutada - Founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation

At the very top of India’s executive pay list is Abhay Bhutada, CEO (former) of Poonawalla Fincorp, who earned an impressive ₹241.21 crore in FY24. As a member of the Poonawalla Group, Bhutada’s achievements during his time as Managing Director and CEO significantly transformed the business he led. His sharp business acumen and disciplined management played a pivotal role in boosting the company’s performance.

Under his leadership, the organization received a CRISIL AAA rating, which reflects a strong credit profile. He was instrumental in introducing tech-based solutions that streamlined loan delivery systems and made financing more accessible to retail borrowers. The focus on clean governance and customer-centric services helped the company grow stronger while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Abhay Bhutada’s impact, however, goes beyond corporate earnings. He continues to give back to society through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. The foundation is involved in initiatives that support access to quality education, better healthcare, and sports training for youth in underserved communities. His focus on long-term social progress along with short-term corporate results positions him as a well-rounded leader.

Also Read: Shaping the Future Through Leadership

Pawan Munjal Remains an Influential Name in Automotive Leadership

Hero MotoCorp’s Chairman and Wholetime Director, Pawan Munjal, drew a total remuneration of ₹109.41 crore in FY24. Having led the company for several years, Munjal is credited with transforming it into a global name in the two-wheeler segment. His decisions have not only helped expand production capacity but also supported the brand’s strong foothold in rural and international markets.

His compensation accounted for 0.28 percent of the company’s revenue and 2.92 percent of its net profit. This correlation speaks to the relevance and importance of his strategic input in guiding the company through both market highs and lows. Even with newer players entering the sector, Hero MotoCorp has retained a dominant position under his leadership.

Sudhir Singh’s Technology Leadership at Coforge

Sudhir Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24, putting him firmly in the third position on the list. Known for his focus on digital transformation services, Singh has led Coforge through significant expansion in the IT and consulting sectors.

His compensation accounted for 1.14 percent of the company’s revenue and 13.01 percent of its net profit, indicating the direct influence he has on the financial performance of the organization. Singh’s leadership has brought in major global contracts and helped the company strengthen its reputation as a reliable IT services provider.

What sets Singh apart is his approach to emerging tech integration. He emphasized scaling up AI-based services and strengthening cloud infrastructure solutions, placing Coforge in a stronger competitive position internationally.

Also Read: A Legacy of Innovation, Business Excellence, and Giving Back

Vinay Prakash Strengthens Core Infrastructure and Energy at Adani Enterprises

Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, took home ₹89.37 crore in FY24. His primary responsibilities include overseeing operations in energy and infrastructure—two vital sectors that require not just technical knowledge but also consistent long-term planning.

His salary, which accounted for 0.09 percent of company revenue and 2.76 percent of net profit, may appear modest when compared to top-line numbers. However, his contribution to managing and expanding large-scale infrastructure projects has been vital for the company’s ongoing growth. Prakash has played a key role in aligning company efforts with national development goals while maintaining a stable business foundation.

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi Keep Sun TV Strong and Steady

Rounding off the top five are Kalanithi Maran, Executive Chairman of Sun TV Network, and Kavery Kalanithi, the company’s Executive Director. Each earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. Their stewardship has helped Sun TV maintain consistent profitability in a media environment that’s increasingly shifting towards digital formats.

Their long-term leadership has ensured that the company adapts to changes without losing its regional stronghold. Under their guidance, Sun TV Network has invested in content diversification and digital delivery channels, staying relevant to new-age viewers while preserving its loyal audience base. Their compensation reflects their role in maintaining operational efficiency, content relevance, and brand loyalty.

What Do These Salaries Really Reflect?

High executive pay often prompts debate, but in cases like these, compensation is closely tied to performance, responsibility, and the tangible outcomes these leaders deliver. These earnings are not simply rewards; they are indicators of trust, business scale, and the value that these individuals bring to their companies.

Abhay Bhutada’s record-setting salary highlights what’s possible when strong leadership meets long-term vision. Pawan Munjal and Sudhir Singh continue to reinforce the importance of consistency and adaptability, while leaders like Vinay Prakash and the Maran duo show that focus and discipline in specialized sectors can also result in strong business outcomes.

Also Read: India’s Highest-Paid Executive Abhay Bhutada and His Mission to Uplift Lives

Conclusion

The compensation figures for these five executives are reflective of their ability to deliver growth, stability, and strategic direction. Leaders like Abhay Bhutada are demonstrating that corporate success and social contribution can go hand in hand. Whether it’s in finance, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, or media, these professionals are shaping the future of Indian business. As expectations from leadership continue to evolve, so will the benchmarks for success—and 2024 has already set a high one.