India’s corporate sector is marked by its dynamic leadership, where top executives are compensated generously for steering their companies towards growth and profitability. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in India, their companies, and the significant contributions they’ve made.
1. Mukesh Ambani – Reliance Industries
Mukesh Ambani, as the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, has played a pivotal role in diversifying the company’s business portfolio from petrochemicals and refining to telecommunications and retail. His strategic vision led to the launch of Jio, which revolutionized India’s telecom industry. With an annual compensation of approximately ₹15 crore (US$2 million), Ambani continues to drive Reliance Industries towards new heights.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mukesh Ambani |
| Company | Reliance Industries Limited |
| Annual Compensation | Approximately ₹15 crore (US$2 million) |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Industry | Conglomerate (Petrochemicals, Refining, Telecom, Retail) |
| Key Achievements | Launch of Jio, Expansion into retail and digital services |
Company: Reliance Industries Limited
Annual Compensation: Approximately ₹15 crore (US$2 million)
Overview:
Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, is one of India’s most influential business figures. Under his leadership, Reliance has diversified from its core petrochemicals and refining businesses into telecommunications, retail, and digital services, making it one of the largest conglomerates in India. Ambani’s strategic vision has driven the company’s growth, particularly with the launch of Jio, which revolutionized the telecom sector in India.
2. Salil Parekh – Infosys
Salil Parekh, the CEO and Managing Director of Infosys Limited, has been instrumental in accelerating digital transformation for clients and expanding Infosys’ global footprint. Since his appointment in 2018, Parekh has focused on driving revenue growth and enhancing service offerings in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. His annual compensation is approximately ₹34.27 crore (US$4.6 million).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Salil Parekh |
| Company | Infosys Limited |
| Annual Compensation | Approximately ₹34.27 crore (US$4.6 million) |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru |
| Industry | IT Services and Consulting |
| Key Achievements | Accelerated digital transformation, Revenue growth |
Company: Infosys Limited
Annual Compensation: Approximately ₹34.27 crore (US$4.6 million)
Overview:
Salil Parekh is the CEO and Managing Director of Infosys, a global leader in technology services and consulting. Since taking the helm in 2018, Parekh has focused on accelerating digital transformation for clients and expanding Infosys’ global presence. His leadership has been pivotal in driving revenue growth and enhancing the company’s service offerings in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
3. C.P. Gurnani – Tech Mahindra
As the CEO and Managing Director of Tech Mahindra, C.P. Gurnani has led the company’s transformation into a leading provider of digital transformation, consulting, and business re-engineering services. His focus on innovation and customer-centricity has driven Tech Mahindra’s success in the IT and telecommunications sectors. Gurnani’s annual compensation is approximately ₹22 crore (US$3 million).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | C.P. Gurnani |
| Company | Tech Mahindra |
| Annual Compensation | Approximately ₹22 crore (US$3 million) |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Pune |
| Industry | IT Services and Consulting |
| Key Achievements | Transformation of Tech Mahindra, Focus on innovation |
Company: Tech Mahindra
Annual Compensation: Approximately ₹22 crore (US$3 million)
Overview:
C.P. Gurnani, the CEO and Managing Director of Tech Mahindra, has been instrumental in transforming the company into a leading provider of digital transformation, consulting, and business re-engineering services. Gurnani’s focus on innovation and customer-centricity has driven Tech Mahindra’s success in the IT and telecommunications sectors.
4. Sanjiv Mehta – Hindustan Unilever
Sanjiv Mehta, the Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited, has maintained the company’s market leadership in the consumer goods sector. Under his leadership, HUL has expanded its product portfolio and focused on sustainable business practices and digital transformation. Mehta’s annual compensation is approximately ₹19.42 crore (US$2.6 million).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Sanjiv Mehta |
| Company | Hindustan Unilever Limited |
| Annual Compensation | Approximately ₹19.42 crore (US$2.6 million) |
| Founded | 1933 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Industry | Consumer Goods |
| Key Achievements | Market leadership, Sustainable business practices |
Company: Hindustan Unilever Limited
Annual Compensation: Approximately ₹19.42 crore (US$2.6 million)
Overview:
Sanjiv Mehta is the Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), India’s largest consumer goods company. Mehta has played a critical role in maintaining HUL’s market leadership and expanding its product portfolio. His emphasis on sustainable business practices and digital transformation has strengthened HUL’s competitive edge.
5. Guenter Butschek – Tata Motors
Guenter Butschek, the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Motors, has been pivotal in implementing turnaround strategies and enhancing the company’s focus on innovation and product quality. His leadership has significantly improved Tata Motors’ operational efficiency and market position in the automotive industry. Butschek’s annual compensation is approximately ₹22 crore (US$3 million).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Guenter Butschek |
| Company | Tata Motors |
| Annual Compensation | Approximately ₹22 crore (US$3 million) |
| Founded | 1945 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Industry | Automotive |
| Key Achievements | Turnaround strategies, Innovation in product quality |
Company: Tata Motors
Annual Compensation: Approximately ₹22 crore (US$3 million)
Overview:
Guenter Butschek, the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Motors, has been pivotal in turning around the company’s fortunes. Under his leadership, Tata Motors has focused on innovation, product quality, and operational efficiency. Butschek’s strategic initiatives have been crucial in enhancing Tata Motors’ position in the competitive automotive industry.
6. Rajesh Gopinathan – Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Rajesh Gopinathan, as the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services, has driven sustained revenue growth and strategic expansion into new markets. His focus on innovation and customer-centricity has reinforced TCS’s status as a leading IT services provider. Gopinathan’s annual compensation is approximately ₹20.36 crore (US$2.7 million).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Rajesh Gopinathan |
| Company | Tata Consultancy Services |
| Annual Compensation | Approximately ₹20.36 crore (US$2.7 million) |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Industry | IT Services and Consulting |
| Key Achievements | Sustained revenue growth, Expansion into new markets |
Company: Tata Consultancy Services
Annual Compensation: Approximately ₹20.36 crore (US$2.7 million)
Overview:
Rajesh Gopinathan is the CEO and Managing Director of TCS, a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions. Gopinathan’s leadership has been marked by sustained revenue growth and strategic expansion into new markets. His focus on innovation and customer-centricity has reinforced TCS’s status as a leading IT services provider.
7. S.N. Subrahmanyan – Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
S.N. Subrahmanyan, the CEO and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro Limited, has led the company’s growth across its diverse business portfolio, including construction, engineering, and technology services. His leadership has emphasized operational efficiency, digital transformation, and global expansion. Subrahmanyan’s annual compensation is approximately ₹31.58 crore (US$4.2 million).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | S.N. Subrahmanyan |
| Company | Larsen & Toubro Limited |
| Annual Compensation | Approximately ₹31.58 crore (US$4.2 million) |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Industry | Construction, Engineering, Technology Services |
| Key Achievements | Operational efficiency, Digital transformation |
Company: Larsen & Toubro Limited
Annual Compensation: Approximately ₹31.58 crore (US$4.2 million)
Overview:
S.N. Subrahmanyan, the CEO and Managing Director of L&T, has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth across its diverse business portfolio, including construction, engineering, and technology services. His leadership has focused on enhancing operational efficiency, digital transformation, and expanding L&T’s global footprint.
8. Pawan Munjal – Hero MotoCorp
Pawan Munjal, the Chairman, Managing Director, and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, has driven the company to become the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. Munjal’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and global expansion has solidified Hero MotoCorp’s leadership position in the automotive industry. His annual compensation is approximately ₹85.59 crore (US$11.5 million).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Pawan Munjal |
| Company | Hero MotoCorp |
| Annual Compensation | Approximately ₹85.59 crore (US$11.5 million) |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Industry | Automotive (Two-Wheelers) |
| Key Achievements | Market leadership, Global expansion |
Company: Hero MotoCorp
Annual Compensation: Approximately ₹85.59 crore (US$11.5 million)
Overview:
Pawan Munjal, the Chairman, Managing Director, and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, has been a driving force behind the company’s growth to become the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. Munjal’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and global expansion has cemented Hero MotoCorp’s leadership position in the automotive industry.
9. Kalanithi Maran – Sun TV Network
Kalanithi Maran, as the Chairman and Managing Director of Sun TV Network, has expanded the network’s reach and diversified its content offerings. His strategic vision has driven Sun TV’s success in the competitive media landscape, making it one of India’s largest media conglomerates. Maran’s annual compensation is approximately ₹77.9 crore (US$10.4 million).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kalanithi Maran |
| Company | Sun TV Network |
| Annual Compensation | Approximately ₹77.9 crore (US$10.4 million) |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Chennai |
| Industry | Media and Entertainment |
| Key Achievements | Expanded network reach, Diversified content offerings |
Company: Sun TV Network
Annual Compensation: Approximately ₹77.9 crore (US$10.4 million)
Overview:
Kalanithi Maran is the Chairman and Managing Director of Sun TV Network, one of India’s largest media conglomerates. Maran has played a crucial role in expanding the network’s reach and diversifying its content offerings. His strategic vision has driven Sun TV’s success in the competitive media landscape.
10. Aditya Puri – HDFC Bank
Aditya Puri, who recently retired as the Managing Director of HDFC Bank, transformed the bank into one of India’s largest and most profitable private sector banks. His leadership focused on technological innovation, customer service excellence, and prudent risk management. Puri’s annual compensation was approximately ₹18.92 crore (US$2.5 million).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Aditya Puri |
| Company | HDFC Bank |
| Annual Compensation | Approximately ₹18.92 crore (US$2.5 million) |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Industry | Banking and Financial Services |
| Key Achievements | Technological innovation, Customer service excellence |
Company: HDFC Bank
Annual Compensation: Approximately ₹18.92 crore (US$2.5 million)
Overview:
Aditya Puri, who recently retired as the Managing Director of HDFC Bank, is credited with transforming the bank into one of India’s largest and most profitable private sector banks. Puri’s leadership focused on technological innovation, customer service excellence, and prudent risk management, ensuring sustained growth and profitability for HDFC Bank.
FAQs about Top 10 Highest-Paid CEOs in India
1. Who is the highest-paid CEO in India?
Answer: Pawan Munjal, the Chairman, Managing Director, and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, is currently the highest-paid CEO in India with an annual compensation of approximately ₹85.59 crore (US$11.5 million).
2. What is Mukesh Ambani’s role in Reliance Industries, and how much is he paid?
Answer: Mukesh Ambani is the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited. His annual compensation is approximately ₹15 crore (US$2 million).
3. How has Salil Parekh contributed to Infosys since becoming CEO?
Answer: Salil Parekh, as the CEO and Managing Director of Infosys, has focused on accelerating digital transformation for clients, expanding Infosys’ global presence, and driving revenue growth. His annual compensation is approximately ₹34.27 crore (US$4.6 million).
4. What industries does Tech Mahindra operate in under the leadership of C.P. Gurnani?
Answer: Under the leadership of C.P. Gurnani, Tech Mahindra operates in the IT services and consulting industries. Gurnani has driven the company’s transformation and focus on innovation. His annual compensation is approximately ₹22 crore (US$3 million).
5. What are Sanjiv Mehta’s key achievements at Hindustan Unilever?
Answer: Sanjiv Mehta, as the Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited, has maintained market leadership, expanded the product portfolio, and focused on sustainable business practices. His annual compensation is approximately ₹19.42 crore (US$2.6 million).
6. What significant changes has Guenter Butschek brought to Tata Motors?
Answer: Guenter Butschek, the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Motors, has implemented turnaround strategies, focused on innovation and product quality, and enhanced operational efficiency. His annual compensation is approximately ₹22 crore (US$3 million).
7. How has Rajesh Gopinathan contributed to TCS’s success?
Answer: Rajesh Gopinathan, the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services, has led the company to sustained revenue growth, expanded into new markets, and reinforced TCS’s position as a leading IT services provider. His annual compensation is approximately ₹20.36 crore (US$2.7 million).
8. What are S.N. Subrahmanyan’s key contributions to Larsen & Toubro?
Answer: S.N. Subrahmanyan, the CEO and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro Limited, has driven operational efficiency, digital transformation, and global expansion across L&T’s diverse business portfolio. His annual compensation is approximately ₹31.58 crore (US$4.2 million).
9. What has been Pawan Munjal’s impact on Hero MotoCorp?
Answer: Pawan Munjal has significantly contributed to Hero MotoCorp’s growth, making it the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. His focus on innovation, sustainability, and global expansion has solidified the company’s leadership in the automotive industry. His annual compensation is approximately ₹85.59 crore (US$11.5 million).
10. How has Kalanithi Maran expanded Sun TV Network?
Answer: Kalanithi Maran, as the Chairman and Managing Director of Sun TV Network, has expanded the network’s reach, diversified its content offerings, and maintained its position as one of India’s largest media conglomerates. His annual compensation is approximately ₹77.9 crore (US$10.4 million).
11. What were Aditya Puri’s achievements at HDFC Bank?
Answer: Aditya Puri, who recently retired as the Managing Director of HDFC Bank, transformed the bank into one of India’s largest and most profitable private sector banks. His leadership focused on technological innovation, customer service excellence, and prudent risk management. His annual compensation was approximately ₹18.92 crore (US$2.5 million).
These top 10 highest-paid CEOs in India exemplify exceptional leadership and strategic vision in their respective industries. Their contributions have not only driven the growth and success of their companies but have also had a significant impact on the broader economic landscape of India. Through innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric approaches, these executives continue to set benchmarks in corporate excellence.