Top 10 highest paid CEO in India
Discover the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in India and learn about their leadership, achievements, and contributions to their companies and industries. From Mukesh Ambani to Uday Kotak, explore how these visionary executives are shaping India’s corporate landscape.
India’s corporate landscape is marked by visionary leaders who steer their companies to remarkable heights. The compensation packages of these leaders reflect not only their significant responsibilities but also their contributions to their respective industries. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in India.
1. Mukesh Ambani – Reliance Industries Limited
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation | ₹15 crore (annual) |
| Position | Chairman and Managing Director |
| Company | Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) |
| Industry | Conglomerate (Petrochemicals, Telecom, Retail) |
| Key Achievements | Expansion into telecommunications with Jio, growth in petrochemicals and retail |
Compensation: ₹15 crore (annual)
Background: Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has consistently topped the list of India’s highest-paid CEOs. Under his leadership, RIL has expanded into diverse sectors such as petrochemicals, refining, oil & gas exploration, and more recently, telecommunications with Jio.
Achievements: Ambani’s strategic vision has transformed Reliance into a global conglomerate, significantly impacting India’s economy. Jio’s revolution in the telecom sector, with affordable data plans, has particularly been a game-changer.
2. Pawan Munjal – Hero MotoCorp
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation | ₹85.59 crore (annual) |
| Position | Chairman, Managing Director, and CEO |
| Company | Hero MotoCorp |
| Industry | Automotive (Two-wheelers) |
| Key Achievements | Global expansion, diversification into electric vehicles |
Compensation: ₹85.59 crore (annual)
Background: As the chairman, managing director, and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, Pawan Munjal plays a crucial role in steering the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer.
Achievements: Munjal has been instrumental in Hero MotoCorp’s expansion into international markets and diversification into electric vehicles, sustaining its leadership position in the two-wheeler market.
3. C.P. Gurnani – Tech Mahindra
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation | ₹33.2 crore (annual) |
| Position | CEO and Managing Director |
| Company | Tech Mahindra |
| Industry | IT Services and Consulting |
| Key Achievements | Global growth, digital transformation initiatives |
Compensation: ₹33.2 crore (annual)
Background: C.P. Gurnani, the CEO and managing director of Tech Mahindra, is known for his role in the company’s turnaround and growth in the IT sector.
Achievements: Under Gurnani’s leadership, Tech Mahindra has seen significant growth, expanding its global footprint and strengthening its position in digital transformation, IT consulting, and business process services.
4. Kalanithi Maran – Sun Group
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation | ₹87.50 crore (annual) |
| Position | Chairman and Founder |
| Company | Sun Group |
| Industry | Media and Entertainment |
| Key Achievements | Expansion into TV channels, FM radio, DTH services, newspapers |
Compensation: ₹87.50 crore (annual)
Background: Kalanithi Maran, the chairman and founder of Sun Group, commands a significant presence in the media and entertainment industry.
Achievements: Maran has built a media empire encompassing television channels, FM radio stations, DTH services, and newspapers. His leadership has made Sun Group a household name in India.
5. Salil Parekh – Infosys
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation | ₹71.02 crore (annual) |
| Position | CEO and Managing Director |
| Company | Infosys |
| Industry | IT Services |
| Key Achievements | Strategic acquisitions, focus on digital services |
Compensation: ₹71.02 crore (annual)
Background: As the CEO and managing director of Infosys, Salil Parekh oversees one of India’s largest IT services companies.
Achievements: Parekh has been pivotal in driving Infosys’ growth through strategic acquisitions and a renewed focus on digital services, helping the company navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
6. Sanjiv Mehta – Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation | ₹22.36 crore (annual) |
| Position | Chairman and Managing Director |
| Company | Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) |
| Industry | FMCG |
| Key Achievements | Sustainable growth, market leadership in various product categories |
Compensation: ₹22.36 crore (annual)
Background: Sanjiv Mehta is the chairman and managing director of Hindustan Unilever Limited, India’s largest FMCG company.
Achievements: Mehta’s leadership has been critical in driving sustainable and profitable growth for HUL. His strategic initiatives have strengthened the company’s market leadership in various product categories.
7. Gopal Vittal – Bharti Airtel
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation | ₹33.94 crore (annual) |
| Position | CEO and Managing Director |
| Company | Bharti Airtel |
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Key Achievements | Competitive strategies, network expansion, digital innovation |
Compensation: ₹33.94 crore (annual)
Background: Gopal Vittal is the CEO and managing director of Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications companies.
Achievements: Vittal has been instrumental in Airtel’s competitive strategies, network expansion, and digital innovation, positioning it as a strong contender in the Indian telecom market.
8. Aditya Puri – HDFC Bank
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation | ₹18.92 crore (annual) |
| Position | Former Managing Director |
| Company | HDFC Bank |
| Industry | Banking and Financial Services |
| Key Achievements | Consistent growth, innovation in banking services, customer-centric strategies |
Compensation: ₹18.92 crore (annual)
Background: Aditya Puri, the former managing director of HDFC Bank, played a crucial role in establishing the bank as one of India’s premier financial institutions.
Achievements: Puri’s tenure at HDFC Bank was marked by consistent growth, innovation in banking services, and a focus on customer-centric strategies, making it a top choice for banking in India.
9. Rajesh Gopinathan – Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation | ₹20.36 crore (annual) |
| Position | CEO and Managing Director |
| Company | Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) |
| Industry | IT Services and Consulting |
| Key Achievements | Digital transformation, global expansion, enhanced service offerings |
Compensation: ₹20.36 crore (annual)
Background: Rajesh Gopinathan is the CEO and managing director of Tata Consultancy Services, a global leader in IT services and consulting.
Achievements: Gopinathan has focused on driving growth through digital transformation, enhancing TCS’s service offerings, and expanding its global footprint, contributing significantly to its market capitalization.
10. Uday Kotak – Kotak Mahindra Bank
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Compensation | ₹37.52 crore (annual) |
| Position | Founder, Managing Director, and CEO |
| Company | Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| Industry | Banking and Financial Services |
| Key Achievements | Exponential growth, wide range of financial services, focus on innovation |
Compensation: ₹37.52 crore (annual)
Background: Uday Kotak is the founder, managing director, and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks.
Achievements: Under Kotak’s leadership, the bank has grown exponentially, offering a wide range of financial services and maintaining a strong focus on innovation and customer service.
Top 10 highest paid CEO in India
The corporate world in India is driven by visionary leaders whose strategic decisions and innovative approaches propel their companies to new heights. Their significant responsibilities and contributions are reflected in their compensation packages, which often make headlines. Here, we explore the highest-paid CEOs in India, their monthly earnings, and their impact on their respective industries.
Top 10 Highest Paid CEOs in India Per Month
The top 10 highest-paid CEOs in India command impressive monthly salaries. Here’s a breakdown:
Kalanithi Maran – Sun Group
- Monthly Compensation: ₹7.29 crore
- Annual Compensation: ₹87.50 crore
Pawan Munjal – Hero MotoCorp
- Monthly Compensation: ₹7.13 crore
- Annual Compensation: ₹85.59 crore
Salil Parekh – Infosys
- Monthly Compensation: ₹5.92 crore
- Annual Compensation: ₹71.02 crore
Gopal Vittal – Bharti Airtel
- Monthly Compensation: ₹2.83 crore
- Annual Compensation: ₹33.94 crore
C.P. Gurnani – Tech Mahindra
- Monthly Compensation: ₹2.76 crore
- Annual Compensation: ₹33.2 crore
Uday Kotak – Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Monthly Compensation: ₹3.13 crore
- Annual Compensation: ₹37.52 crore
Rajesh Gopinathan – TCS
- Monthly Compensation: ₹1.69 crore
- Annual Compensation: ₹20.36 crore
Sanjiv Mehta – Hindustan Unilever Limited
- Monthly Compensation: ₹1.86 crore
- Annual Compensation: ₹22.36 crore
Mukesh Ambani – Reliance Industries Limited
- Monthly Compensation: ₹1.25 crore
- Annual Compensation: ₹15 crore
Aditya Puri – HDFC Bank
- Monthly Compensation: ₹1.58 crore
- Annual Compensation: ₹18.92 crore
Top 10 Highest Paid CEOs in India in Rupees
The same leaders, when viewed annually, reveal the substantial compensation they receive in rupees:
- Kalanithi Maran – ₹87.50 crore
- Pawan Munjal – ₹85.59 crore
- Salil Parekh – ₹71.02 crore
- Gopal Vittal – ₹33.94 crore
- C.P. Gurnani – ₹33.2 crore
- Uday Kotak – ₹37.52 crore
- Rajesh Gopinathan – ₹20.36 crore
- Sanjiv Mehta – ₹22.36 crore
- Mukesh Ambani – ₹15 crore
- Aditya Puri – ₹18.92 crore
Top 50 Highest Paid CEO in India
While the top 10 highest-paid CEOs receive significant attention, there are many other notable leaders in India whose compensation reflects their substantial contributions. A detailed list of the top 50 highest-paid CEOs in India includes executives from various industries such as IT, banking, automotive, FMCG, and telecommunications, highlighting the diversity and depth of India’s corporate leadership.
Top 10 Highest Paid CEO in India 2023
The list of the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in India for 2023 includes the same prominent figures, demonstrating consistency in leadership compensation across years. Their strategies and business acumen continue to drive their companies forward, ensuring they remain among the top earners.
Top 10 Highest Paid CEO in the World
Globally, CEOs command even higher compensation packages, reflecting the scale and impact of their companies. The top 10 highest-paid CEOs in the world include:
- Elon Musk – Tesla and SpaceX
- Tim Cook – Apple
- Sundar Pichai – Alphabet Inc.
- Satya Nadella – Microsoft
- Mark Zuckerberg – Meta Platforms Inc.
- Warren Buffett – Berkshire Hathaway
- Jamie Dimon – JPMorgan Chase
- Robert Iger – The Walt Disney Company
- Daniel Zhang – Alibaba Group
- Jensen Huang – NVIDIA
Who is the Highest-Paid CEO in India?
Kalanithi Maran, the chairman and founder of Sun Group, holds the title of the highest-paid CEO in India with an annual compensation of ₹87.50 crore.
Highest Paid CEO in India 2024
As we move into 2024, Kalanithi Maran continues to be the highest-paid CEO in India. His leadership in the media and entertainment sector through Sun Group remains unparalleled, justifying his top position in the compensation hierarchy.
Highest Paid CEO in World
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is widely regarded as the highest-paid CEO in the world. His innovative ventures and transformative impact on industries like automotive and space exploration set him apart as a global leader.
FAQs about the Top 10 highest paid CEO in India
1. Who is the highest-paid CEO in India?
Answer: Kalanithi Maran, the chairman and founder of Sun Group, is one of the highest-paid CEOs in India with an annual compensation of ₹87.50 crore.
2. What is the annual compensation of Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries Limited?
Answer: Mukesh Ambani’s annual compensation is ₹15 crore.
3. Which industry does Pawan Munjal of Hero MotoCorp belong to?
Answer: Pawan Munjal belongs to the automotive industry, specifically the two-wheeler segment.
4. How much does Salil Parekh of Infosys earn annually?
Answer: Salil Parekh, the CEO and managing director of Infosys, earns an annual compensation of ₹71.02 crore.
5. Who is the CEO of Tech Mahindra, and what is his annual compensation?
Answer: The CEO and managing director of Tech Mahindra is C.P. Gurnani, and his annual compensation is ₹33.2 crore.
6. What achievements are associated with Sanjiv Mehta of Hindustan Unilever Limited?
Answer: Sanjiv Mehta has driven sustainable growth, market leadership in various product categories, and innovation within Hindustan Unilever Limited.
7. How does Gopal Vittal contribute to Bharti Airtel’s success?
Answer: Gopal Vittal has been instrumental in Airtel’s competitive strategies, network expansion, and digital innovation, positioning it as a strong contender in the Indian telecom market.
8. What was Aditya Puri’s role at HDFC Bank, and what was his annual compensation?
Answer: Aditya Puri was the managing director of HDFC Bank, with an annual compensation of ₹18.92 crore. He played a crucial role in the bank’s consistent growth and innovation in banking services.
9. Who leads Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and what are his key achievements?
Answer: Rajesh Gopinathan is the CEO and managing director of TCS. His key achievements include driving digital transformation, expanding TCS’s global footprint, and enhancing its service offerings.
10. How much does Uday Kotak of Kotak Mahindra Bank earn, and what are his key achievements?
Answer: Uday Kotak earns ₹37.52 crore annually. His key achievements include exponential growth of the bank, offering a wide range of financial services, and focusing on innovation.
11. Why is the compensation of CEOs in India so high?
Answer: The high compensation of CEOs in India reflects their critical roles in driving growth, strategic decision-making, and managing large, complex organizations. Their compensation is often tied to the company’s performance and the value they bring to stakeholders.
12. How do these CEOs contribute to India’s economy?
Answer: These CEOs contribute to India’s economy by leading their companies towards growth and innovation, creating jobs, driving investments, and expanding into international markets. Their strategic initiatives often have a significant impact on the industry and economy at large.
Additianal FAQ’s on Top 10 highest paid CEO in India
1. Who is the highest-paid CEO in India?
Answer: Kalanithi Maran, the chairman and founder of Sun Group, is one of the highest-paid CEOs in India with an annual compensation of ₹87.50 crore.
2. Who are the 10 highest-paid CEOs in India?
Answer:
- Kalanithi Maran – Sun Group (₹87.50 crore)
- Pawan Munjal – Hero MotoCorp (₹85.59 crore)
- Salil Parekh – Infosys (₹71.02 crore)
- Gopal Vittal – Bharti Airtel (₹33.94 crore)
- C.P. Gurnani – Tech Mahindra (₹33.2 crore)
- Uday Kotak – Kotak Mahindra Bank (₹37.52 crore)
- Rajesh Gopinathan – TCS (₹20.36 crore)
- Sanjiv Mehta – Hindustan Unilever Limited (₹22.36 crore)
- Mukesh Ambani – Reliance Industries Limited (₹15 crore)
- Aditya Puri – HDFC Bank (₹18.92 crore)
3. Who is the highest-paid CEO of Cognizant India?
Answer: As of the latest available information, the highest-paid CEO of Cognizant is Brian Humphries, who is based in the U.S. For Cognizant India, the specific compensation details of the regional head are typically not disclosed separately.
4. Who is the richest Indian CEO in the world?
Answer: Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited, is not only one of the highest-paid CEOs in India but also the richest Indian CEO globally, with substantial wealth from his business holdings.
5. Who is the youngest CEO in India?
Answer: As of recent records, Ritesh Agarwal, the founder and CEO of OYO Rooms, is one of the youngest CEOs in India. He started OYO at a very young age and has led the company to significant growth.
6. Who is the No 1 CEO in the world?
Answer: This can be subjective and vary based on different metrics such as company performance, leadership impact, and public perception. However, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc. (Google’s parent company), is often recognized as one of the top CEOs globally due to his leadership in the tech industry.
7. What is the salary of the CEO of TCS?
Answer: Rajesh Gopinathan, the CEO and managing director of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has an annual compensation of ₹20.36 crore.
8. What is the salary of the Infosys CEO?
Answer: Salil Parekh, the CEO and managing director of Infosys, earns an annual compensation of ₹71.02 crore.
9. What is the salary of the CEO of Max Hospital?
Answer: The salary details of the CEO of Max Hospital are typically not publicly disclosed. However, it is known that healthcare CEOs in India can earn significant compensation packages depending on the size and performance of the organization.
Conclusion
The substantial compensation packages of these top executives reflect their critical roles in steering their companies towards growth, innovation, and market leadership. Their visionary leadership and strategic decisions not only drive their organizations forward but also significantly contribute to