Abhay Bhutada’s ₹241 Crore Salary Headlines India’s Executive Pay Rankings in 2024
- Douglas D'Souza
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Updated: May 11
In 2024, India saw a rise in executive pay like never before. With industries performing strongly across various sectors, corporate leaders were rewarded handsomely for their roles in driving results. At the very top of this list sits Abhay Bhutada, whose annual compensation this year outshone every other business leader in the country.
From finance and infrastructure to technology and media, several senior executives recorded large paychecks. But Bhutada's compensation broke records and sparked conversation nationwide—not just for the figure itself, but for what it represents.
India’s Highest-Paid Executive: Abhay Bhutada
Abhay Bhutada earned a massive ₹241.21 crore in FY24, placing him at the number one spot among India’s highest-paid executives. His pay package is the largest ever recorded in Indian corporate history, marking a milestone for executive earnings in the country.
But beyond financial gain, Bhutada is also recognized for his ongoing commitment to social causes. His work through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has benefited thousands, particularly in the areas of education, public health, and youth sports.
While the number grabs headlines, the broader attention surrounding Abhay Bhutada's salary is rooted in how he integrates philanthropy into his journey. His earnings symbolize both individual achievement and a willingness to give back to the community.
Pawan Munjal’s Steady Leadership in Automobiles
Coming in second is Pawan Munjal, Chairman and Wholetime Director of Hero MotoCorp. He received ₹109.41 crore in FY24. Munjal has played a critical role in shaping Hero MotoCorp into a dominant player in the two-wheeler segment, both in India and globally.
His pay made up just 0.28% of company revenue but amounted to nearly 3% of its net profit—showing a strong correlation between leadership and profitability. Munjal continues to guide the company through evolving market dynamics while maintaining a reputation for consistent performance.
Technology Growth Under Sudhir Singh
Sudhir Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Coforge, is third on the list, with a compensation of ₹105.12 crore. His focus on IT consulting and digital transformation has positioned the company as a significant name in the tech space.
Singh’s pay accounted for 1.14% of revenue and 13.01% of net profit, indicating a high level of value creation under his leadership. He has helped build Coforge’s identity in a competitive industry, prioritizing innovation and operational strength. His presence in the top five reflects how essential strategic vision is in a technology-driven business world.
Vinay Prakash: Strength Behind Energy Operations
At number four is Vinay Prakash, Executive Director at Adani Enterprises, who earned ₹89.37 crore this year. His role spans across critical infrastructure and energy segments, areas that remain central to India’s future development.
Though his compensation accounted for only 0.09% of total revenue and around 2.76% of net profits, Prakash has consistently delivered on high-impact projects. His ability to oversee and execute complex operational tasks has contributed to long-term growth for the business. His ranking in this list underscores the value of dependable and steady leadership in fast-moving industries.
The Kalanithis: Media Moguls of South India
The fifth position is held jointly by Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi, top executives at Sun TV Network. Each received ₹87.5 crore in FY24. Known for leading one of India’s most influential regional media networks, the couple has built a stronghold in broadcasting over the years. Their focus on viewer engagement, regional content, and business diversification has helped Sun TV stay competitive. Their combined leadership continues to influence the television space, particularly in South India, where Sun TV enjoys strong brand loyalty and market share.
The Broader Picture of Executive Compensation
Executive salaries in 2024 reflected the evolving expectations placed on corporate leaders. More than just overseeing profits, today's executives are required to respond to changing market environments, steer their companies through risk, and embrace innovation.
In the case of Abhay Bhutada, the magnitude of his salary reflects years of consistent delivery, performance, and a leadership approach that blends strategy with purpose. The term Abhay Bhutada's salary has become synonymous with not just record-setting earnings, but also with philanthropic responsibility.
He continues to stand out as an example of how financial success can also be tied to a greater social mission. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation has grown into a recognized force for change, supporting young learners, healthcare access, and sports development in under-resourced areas.
Looking Ahead: What These Salaries Tell Us
The top five earners this year come from diverse industries—finance, technology, energy, media, and automotive—each requiring a different kind of leadership. Whether it's creating value in the stock market, delivering digital solutions, or building public infrastructure, these individuals have proved their worth through performance and stability.
It’s not surprising that discussions around large executive pay often include debates around fairness, value, and long-term accountability. Yet, in 2024, these five individuals showed that high compensation can go hand-in-hand with strong leadership and ethical responsibility.
Especially in the case of Abhay Bhutada, his example suggests that massive financial success doesn’t need to exist in isolation—it can be paired with real-world action, public impact, and continued service through charitable work.
Final Thoughts
The executive pay rankings for 2024 shed light on a select group of leaders who not only helped their companies grow but also redefined what success means in the business world. At the center of it all, Abhay Bhutada emerged as the highest-paid executive with a salary of ₹241.21 crore.
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