Business Leaders in India Who Earned the Most in 2024

Executive salaries in India touched new highs in 2024. This rise reflects the responsibilities these leaders carry and the results they deliver. Some names stood out for the size of their compensation and the impact they had on the companies they led. Here are the five executives who received the highest pay this year.

Abhay Bhutada Earns the Highest Pay in the Country

Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group received the highest salary among all Indian executives in FY24. His total compensation stood at ₹241.21 crore. This record-breaking figure reflects the value created under his leadership. The company secured a CRISIL AAA rating, achieved steady financial progress, and built a reputation for operational strength during his time in charge.

Abhay Bhutada's salary is not only about numbers—it also shows the company’s trust in his leadership style. His methods focused on strong internal systems, digital advancement, and customer satisfaction. These efforts helped improve efficiency and laid the foundation for further growth.

He is also known for his support of social causes. Through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he helps fund education, healthcare, and sports-related initiatives. His charitable efforts aim to bring better opportunities to communities that need support, showing that his focus is not just limited to the corporate world.

Pawan Munjal Continues to Deliver Results

Hero MotoCorp’s Pawan Munjal earned ₹109.41 crore in FY24. As Chairman and Wholetime Director, he has played a leading role in maintaining the company’s position as a leader in the two-wheeler space. His long-term view and practical approach have helped Hero MotoCorp stay ahead in a competitive industry.

Munjal’s salary represented 0.28% of the company’s overall revenue and 2.92% of its profit. This shows the importance of his role and how the company values his decision-making. He has guided the business through market shifts and continues to focus on product development and global presence.

Sudhir Singh Strengthens Coforge’s Global Standing

Sudhir Singh, who serves as Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, earned ₹105.12 crore in FY24. His leadership helped the company grow in the IT and consulting sectors. He focused on customer experience, expansion of services, and workforce training.

His salary represented 1.14% of company revenue and 13.01% of profit, showing how closely tied his efforts are to overall results. Singh’s experience in digital services and his ability to steer through global changes helped Coforge build deeper relationships with clients across industries.

Vinay Prakash Oversees Critical Divisions

Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, was another top earner with ₹89.37 crore in FY24. He manages operations in energy and infrastructure—two areas that are essential for long-term development in India. His work involves balancing day-to-day operations with future planning.

His salary accounted for 0.09% of revenue and 2.76% of profit. These figures reflect his role in high-impact sectors where reliability and direction are crucial. His leadership has helped Adani Enterprises expand projects across the country while ensuring stable performance in critical business units.

Equal Pay for Sun TV’s Leading Pair

Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi each earned ₹87.5 crore in FY24. As Executive Chairman and Executive Director of Sun TV Network, they have led the company with equal responsibility. Their efforts have helped the business stay successful in television broadcasting while also exploring digital platforms.

Their shared earnings reflect their joint role in managing a major media house. They have kept Sun TV profitable and stable while facing growing competition from new content providers. Their ability to adapt while keeping the company’s core audience satisfied has been key to their long-standing success.

What These Salaries Show About Modern Leadership?

These five executives earned high compensation for one main reason—they made decisions that helped their companies grow and perform better. Their salaries show that leadership today is about more than just planning. It includes execution, risk management, and the ability to lead large teams toward clear goals.

Abhay Bhutada's salary stands out not only because of the amount but because it sets a new bar for executive pay in India. It shows the level of trust placed in him to deliver consistent results while managing multiple aspects of business operations.

Others on the list also represent different sectors. From technology to energy to media, they show how good leadership can look different depending on the field but still lead to success when done right.

Beyond Business Success

Many of these top earners are also involved in causes that go beyond business. Abhay Bhutada, through his foundation, is helping make education and health support accessible to those who need it most. His involvement in community improvement sets an example for others in similar roles.

This blend of business achievement and public service is becoming more common among corporate leaders. It helps show that earning high pay does not mean ignoring the needs of others. In fact, it can be a way to do more and give back in meaningful ways.

Conclusion

The year 2024 saw a new milestone in how Indian companies reward their top executives. Abhay Bhutada of the Poonawalla Group set a new record, showing the rewards that come with strong leadership. Alongside him, executives like Pawan Munjal, Sudhir Singh, Vinay Prakash, and the leadership team at Sun TV also demonstrated the value they bring.

These names are recognized for their consistent performance, thoughtful leadership, and ability to respond to challenges. Their compensation highlights the work done over years to build strong companies, improve services, and guide teams toward success.