Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

Explore the profiles and remuneration packages of the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in India, including leaders from Reliance Industries, Tech Mahindra, Hero MotoCorp, Infosys, and more. Discover how these influential figures are shaping their industries and driving economic growth with their visionary leadership and strategic insights.

In the dynamic landscape of corporate India, the role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has become more challenging and crucial than ever before. These leaders are not just at the helm of their organizations, but they also navigate through the complexities of global markets, technological disruptions, and regulatory frameworks. Given the immense responsibilities they shoulder, it is no surprise that they command some of the highest salaries in the corporate world. Here, we delve into the profiles and remuneration packages of India’s top 10 highest-paid CEOs, examining what sets them apart in the competitive business environment.

1. Mukesh Ambani – Reliance Industries Limited

Mukesh Ambani-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India — **Mukesh Ambani**-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India(image source: Reliance Industries Limited)

Annual Compensation: ₹24 crore (approx. USD 3.2 million)

Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries, has been the richest man in Asia for several years. Under his leadership, Reliance has diversified into various sectors including petrochemicals, refining, oil & gas exploration, retail, and telecommunications. Despite his substantial wealth, Ambani’s official salary has been capped at ₹24 crore since 2008, demonstrating his commitment to setting a modest benchmark during times of economic uncertainty.

CEO Name	Mukesh Ambani
Company	Reliance Industries Limited
Position	Chairman and Managing Director
Annual Compensation	₹24 crore (approx. USD 3.2 million)
Sector	Conglomerate (Petrochemicals, Refining, Oil & Gas, Retail, Telecommunications)
Key Achievements	Diversified business, Reliance Jio, Leadership in petrochemicals and retail sectors

Mukesh Ambani-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

2. C.P. Gurnani – Tech Mahindra

C.P. Gurnani-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India — **C.P. Gurnani**-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India(image source: Tech Mahindra)

Annual Compensation: ₹22 crore (approx. USD 2.9 million)

As the Managing Director and CEO of Tech Mahindra, C.P. Gurnani has been instrumental in the company’s transformation journey. Gurnani played a pivotal role in the acquisition and turnaround of Satyam Computer Services. Under his stewardship, Tech Mahindra has grown significantly, expanding its global footprint and service offerings in the IT and BPO sectors.

CEO Name	C.P. Gurnani
Company	Tech Mahindra
Position	Managing Director and CEO
Annual Compensation	₹22 crore (approx. USD 2.9 million)
Sector	Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
Key Achievements	Turnaround of Satyam Computer Services, Expansion of global footprint

C.P. Gurnani-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

3. Pawan Munjal – Hero MotoCorp

Pawan Munjal-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India — **Pawan Munjal**-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India(image source:Wikipedia)

Annual Compensation: ₹85 crore (approx. USD 11.3 million)

Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director, and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, has been leading the company to new heights in the two-wheeler industry. His leadership has seen Hero MotoCorp retain its position as the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters. Munjal’s compensation reflects his pivotal role in the company’s strategic growth and innovation efforts.

CEO Name	Pawan Munjal
Company	Hero MotoCorp
Position	Chairman, Managing Director, and CEO
Annual Compensation	₹85 crore (approx. USD 11.3 million)
Sector	Automotive (Motorcycles and Scooters)
Key Achievements	Maintaining leadership in two-wheeler market, Global expansion

Pawan Munjal-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

4. Salil Parekh – Infosys

Salil Parekh-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India — **Salil Parekh**-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India(image source:Wikipedia)

Annual Compensation: ₹34 crore (approx. USD 4.5 million)

Salil Parekh, the CEO of Infosys, has played a significant role in steering the company through a period of transformation. His focus on digital services and strategic acquisitions has helped Infosys strengthen its market position. Parekh’s leadership has been critical in driving revenue growth and expanding the company’s digital capabilities.

CEO Name	Salil Parekh
Company	Infosys
Position	CEO and Managing Director
Annual Compensation	₹34 crore (approx. USD 4.5 million)
Sector	Information Technology (IT) Services
Key Achievements	Digital transformation, Strategic acquisitions, Revenue growth

Salil Parekh-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

5. S.N. Subrahmanyan – Larsen & Toubro

S.N. Subrahmanyan-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India — **S.N. Subrahmanyan**-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India(image source: Larsen & Toubro)

Annual Compensation: ₹31 crore (approx. USD 4.1 million)

S.N. Subrahmanyan, CEO and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), leads one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in India. His leadership in engineering, construction, and technology services has driven L&T’s growth in domestic and international markets. Subrahmanyan’s compensation is a testament to his strategic vision and operational expertise.

CEO Name	S.N. Subrahmanyan
Company	Larsen & Toubro
Position	CEO and Managing Director
Annual Compensation	₹31 crore (approx. USD 4.1 million)
Sector	Engineering, Construction, and Technology Services
Key Achievements	Expansion in domestic and international markets, Strategic leadership

S.N. Subrahmanyan-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

6. Rajiv Bajaj – Bajaj Auto

Rajiv Bajaj-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India — **Rajiv Bajaj**-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India(image source:Wikipedia)

Annual Compensation: ₹32 crore (approx. USD 4.3 million)

Rajiv Bajaj, the Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, has been a key figure in transforming the company into a global brand. Known for his innovative approach, Bajaj has focused on expanding the company’s footprint in international markets while maintaining a stronghold in India. His compensation package reflects his pivotal role in driving the company’s success.

CEO Name	Rajiv Bajaj
Company	Bajaj Auto
Position	Managing Director
Annual Compensation	₹32 crore (approx. USD 4.3 million)
Sector	Automotive (Motorcycles and Three-Wheelers)
Key Achievements	Global expansion, Innovation in automotive industry

Rajiv Bajaj-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

7. Sanjiv Mehta – Hindustan Unilever

Sanjiv Mehta-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India — **Sanjiv Mehta**-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India(image source:Wikipedia)

Annual Compensation: ₹19 crore (approx. USD 2.5 million)

Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), has been at the forefront of the company’s transformation journey. Under his leadership, HUL has seen consistent growth in its market share and profitability. Mehta’s focus on sustainability and digital transformation has positioned HUL as a leader in the FMCG sector.

CEO Name	Sanjiv Mehta
Company	Hindustan Unilever
Position	Chairman and Managing Director
Annual Compensation	₹19 crore (approx. USD 2.5 million)
Sector	Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)
Key Achievements	Market share growth, Focus on sustainability and digital transformation

Sanjiv Mehta-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

8. Uday Kotak – Kotak Mahindra Bank

Uday Kotak-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India — **Uday Kotak**-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India(image source:Wikipedia)

Annual Compensation: ₹36 crore (approx. USD 4.8 million)

Uday Kotak, the founder and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank, is one of the most influential bankers in India. Under his leadership, Kotak Mahindra Bank has grown from a finance firm into one of India’s leading banks. Kotak’s strategic vision and innovative approach to banking have been key drivers of the bank’s success.

CEO Name	Uday Kotak
Company	Kotak Mahindra Bank
Position	Founder and CEO
Annual Compensation	₹36 crore (approx. USD 4.8 million)
Sector	Banking and Financial Services
Key Achievements	Expansion from finance firm to leading bank, Innovative banking solutions

Uday Kotak-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

9. Venu Srinivasan – TVS Motor Company

Venu Srinivasan-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India — **Venu Srinivasan**-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India(image source:TVS motor company)

Annual Compensation: ₹23 crore (approx. USD 3.1 million)

Venu Srinivasan, Chairman and Managing Director of TVS Motor Company, has been instrumental in the company’s rise in the competitive two-wheeler market. Under his leadership, TVS has expanded its product portfolio and global presence. Srinivasan’s focus on quality and innovation has driven the company’s growth and profitability.

CEO Name	Venu Srinivasan
Company	TVS Motor Company
Position	Chairman and Managing Director
Annual Compensation	₹23 crore (approx. USD 3.1 million)
Sector	Automotive (Motorcycles and Scooters)
Key Achievements	Product portfolio expansion, Quality and innovation focus

Venu Srinivasan-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

10. Sunil Mittal – Bharti Airtel

Sunil Mittal-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India — **Sunil Mittal**-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India(image source: Wikipedia)

Annual Compensation: ₹30 crore (approx. USD 4 million)

Sunil Mittal, the founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, is a pioneer in the telecommunications industry. Under his leadership, Bharti Airtel has become one of the largest telecom operators in the world. Mittal’s strategic investments in technology and infrastructure have positioned Airtel as a market leader, and his compensation reflects his significant contributions to the company’s success.

CEO Name	Sunil Mittal
Company	Bharti Airtel
Position	Founder and Chairman
Annual Compensation	₹30 crore (approx. USD 4 million)
Sector	Telecommunications
Key Achievements	Global telecom operations, Technological advancements, Market leadership

Sunil Mittal-Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

The remuneration packages of these top 10 CEOs in India are reflective of their leadership, vision, and the value they bring to their respective companies. These leaders have not only steered their organizations through various economic cycles but have also positioned them for future growth and success. Their substantial compensation is a testament to their strategic importance and the pivotal roles they play in the global business landscape.

The diversity in the sectors these CEOs represent—from telecommunications and IT to manufacturing and banking—illustrates the broad spectrum of opportunities and challenges in India’s corporate world. As these leaders continue to innovate and drive their companies forward, they set benchmarks for aspiring business leaders and contribute to the dynamic growth of the Indian economy.

FAQs: Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India

1. Who is the highest-paid CEO in India?

Pawan Munjal of Hero MotoCorp is currently the highest-paid CEO in India with an annual compensation of ₹85 crore (approx. USD 11.3 million).

2. What is Mukesh Ambani’s annual compensation?

Mukesh Ambani’s annual compensation as the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited is ₹24 crore (approx. USD 3.2 million).

3. Which sectors do these top-paid CEOs come from?

These CEOs come from diverse sectors including petrochemicals, IT, automotive, FMCG, banking, engineering, and telecommunications.

4. How does C.P. Gurnani contribute to Tech Mahindra?

As the Managing Director and CEO, C.P. Gurnani has been instrumental in transforming Tech Mahindra through strategic acquisitions and global expansion, especially following the turnaround of Satyam Computer Services.

5. What has been Salil Parekh’s impact on Infosys?

Salil Parekh, as the CEO and Managing Director of Infosys, has focused on digital services and strategic acquisitions, driving significant revenue growth and expanding the company’s digital capabilities.

6. What is the annual compensation of Uday Kotak from Kotak Mahindra Bank?

Uday Kotak’s annual compensation as the founder and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank is ₹36 crore (approx. USD 4.8 million).

7. What major achievements are associated with Sanjiv Mehta at Hindustan Unilever?

Sanjiv Mehta, as the Chairman and Managing Director of HUL, has driven consistent growth in market share and profitability, focusing on sustainability and digital transformation.

8. How has Venu Srinivasan contributed to TVS Motor Company?

Venu Srinivasan, as the Chairman and Managing Director, has expanded TVS Motor Company’s product portfolio and global presence while emphasizing quality and innovation.

9. What is the focus of Sunil Mittal’s leadership at Bharti Airtel?

Sunil Mittal has focused on technological advancements and strategic investments in infrastructure, positioning Bharti Airtel as a market leader in telecommunications.

10. Are the compensation packages for these CEOs performance-based?

Yes, many of these compensation packages include performance-based components such as bonuses, stock options, and other incentives linked to the company’s performance and individual achievements.

11. How does Mukesh Ambani’s compensation compare to his wealth?

Despite being one of the richest individuals in Asia, Mukesh Ambani’s official salary is capped at ₹24 crore since 2008, reflecting a modest approach in his compensation compared to his vast wealth.

12. What has Rajiv Bajaj’s leadership achieved at Bajaj Auto?

Under Rajiv Bajaj’s leadership, Bajaj Auto has achieved significant global expansion and innovation in the automotive industry, maintaining a strong market position.

13. Why is Pawan Munjal’s compensation so high?

Pawan Munjal’s high compensation is reflective of his pivotal role in maintaining Hero MotoCorp’s leadership in the two-wheeler market and driving the company’s global expansion and innovation.

14. What are some common traits among these top-paid CEOs?

Common traits among these CEOs include strategic vision, innovation, strong leadership, ability to navigate complex markets, and a track record of driving growth and profitability.