India’s Top Executive Earnings in 2024 and the Work Behind the Pay

Executive compensation in India has taken center stage in 2024 as corporate leaders are being rewarded not only for profits but for consistent delivery, responsible decision-making, and long-term vision. The year saw a few prominent business figures earning substantial pay packages that reflect the weight of the roles they hold. Here’s a closer look at the top five earners this year and what their compensation represents in today’s business environment.

Also Read: India's Top-Paid Executives in 2024 Reflect a New Corporate Era

Abhay Bhutada’s Record Compensation Marks a Milestone

Abhay Bhutada stood out as the highest-paid executive in India in FY24 with a total package of ₹241.21 crore. A key figure in the Poonawalla Group, his strategic role in building operational consistency and disciplined management earned him top billing on this list. His work has had a lasting impact on corporate performance, internal governance, and financial strength.

Abhay Bhutada, CEO (former) of Poonawalla Fincorp, was instrumental in securing a CRISIL AAA rating for the firm, a recognition of stability and sound risk management. His leadership combined precision with scalability, allowing the company to grow on solid ground. Outside of his corporate responsibilities, he also oversees several philanthropic projects through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. The foundation supports education, health services, and youth sports in underserved areas across India. His efforts continue to set an example of what it means to lead with purpose and intent.

Pawan Munjal Drives Hero MotoCorp’s Strategic Expansion

Hero MotoCorp’s Executive Chairman, Pawan Munjal, earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24. His leadership has remained steady as the company navigates new global markets and prepares for shifts in consumer preferences, especially in the electric mobility space. With the two-wheeler segment becoming increasingly competitive, Munjal has managed to retain Hero MotoCorp’s standing in India and abroad.

The structure of his compensation aligns with the company’s growth. His package formed 0.28% of Hero’s total revenue and 2.92% of net profits. These proportions reflect a strong link between performance and reward. Under Munjal’s leadership, the brand has remained reliable and relevant through changing market dynamics, offering stability in a fast-evolving industry.

Sudhir Singh’s Influence in the Tech Sector

Sudhir Singh, CEO and Executive Director of Coforge, took home ₹105.12 crore in FY24. His efforts in pushing digital innovation and reshaping delivery models have helped Coforge stand out in the IT services sector. Singh has led from the front in terms of creating value through smarter systems, client-oriented service, and structured global outreach.

His compensation formed 1.14% of the company’s revenue and 13.01% of its net profit, reflecting the role he played in the firm’s strong performance. His work has had a significant impact on the company's service capabilities, helping Coforge adapt to rapid tech evolution and expand its international presence.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Tops India's Highest Executive Payouts in 2024

Vinay Prakash’s Leadership Across Key Divisions

Vinay Prakash earned ₹89.37 crore in FY24 and holds a senior role at Adani Enterprises. He has overseen vital business areas, including logistics, energy, and infrastructure—segments that are crucial to national development and long-term business sustainability.

Although his compensation amounts to just 0.09% of the company’s revenue, the operations he manages are massive in scale and complexity. His focus on execution, operational consistency, and long-range planning has made him one of the most important decision-makers in the enterprise. His role is a prime example of how responsibility doesn’t always correlate with visibility, but the outcomes speak volumes.

Kalanithi and Kavery Kalanithi’s Strong Presence in Media

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi, both top executives at Sun TV Network, received ₹87.5 crore each in FY24. In an industry that continues to shift toward digital platforms, their leadership has maintained the company’s profitability, content quality, and viewer trust.

They’ve focused on sustaining Sun TV’s dominance in regional broadcasting while evolving with the changing landscape of digital media. The duo’s equal compensation reflects their joint leadership approach and shared responsibilities across key verticals, including content production, distribution, and strategy.

The Significance of Executive Compensation

These figures are more than personal rewards—they are an indicator of how India’s corporate sector values leadership. At a time when industries are growing quickly and becoming more complex, executive roles have also evolved. Today’s leaders are expected to show strategic insight, manage risk, and bring results consistently.

Executives who made this list have shown the ability to think long-term, maintain operational efficiency, and guide teams through unpredictable market conditions. Their compensation highlights the trust placed in their leadership and the results that followed.

Business Leadership Meets Social Responsibility

What’s encouraging about the current generation of top executives is their increasing involvement in causes beyond profit-making. Abhay Bhutada’s philanthropic activities through his foundation are just one example of how corporate influence can be used for wider societal benefit. From promoting basic education to supporting rural youth through sports, the initiatives have delivered real outcomes.

Similarly, other leaders on this list have supported local communities through mentorship, training programs, and rural development. These efforts reflect the evolving expectations from those at the top—not just to manage a company well but to contribute positively to society.

Also Read: Top Paid Executives of 2024 with Abhay Bhutada Leading the Pack

Conclusion

The top executive earners of 2024 in India show that large compensation packages are often backed by large responsibilities. From digital leadership to infrastructure oversight, and from building mobility ecosystems to shaping the media narrative, these individuals have delivered on multiple fronts.

As India’s business sector continues to expand, the demand for capable, grounded, and socially aware leadership will only increase. Leaders like Abhay Bhutada, Pawan Munjal, and others demonstrate that when results and responsibility go hand in hand, rewards follow naturally.