Highest Paid CEOs in India 2024: Who Earns the Most?

The Top 10 CEOs in India are awarded with goodwill accounts

1. Mukesh Ambani - CEO of Reliance Industries Ltd

The Early life of Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani Birth- Mukesh Ambani was born on April 19, 1957, (66 Years) in the British Crown colony of Aden (present-day Yemen) to Dhirubhai Ambani and Kokilaben Ambani. He hails from a Gujarati Hindu family and has a younger brother, Anil Ambani, and two sisters, Nina Bhadrashyam Kothari and Dipti Dattaraj Salgaonkar.

Mukesh Ambani Net worth: 11,110 crores USD

Mukesh Ambani Awards –

NDTV Business leader of the year 2010m The Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2000.

The Best Mukesh Ambani Quote –

“Everybody has equal opportunity and I think that is true for everything”.

Background and Leadership of Mukesh Ambani

Education: Mukesh attended Hill Grange High School in Mumbai, where he met his close associate Anand Jain.

• After secondary schooling, he studied at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

• He received a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (B.E.) degree from the Institute of Chemical Technology.

• Although he was admitted to Stanford University for an MBA, he left the program to contribute to the family business.

Leadership: Mukesh D. Ambani serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of RIL.

•  Under his guidance, Reliance has achieved significant milestones across various sectors.

Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani, the CEO of Reliance Industries Ltd., holds a formidable 44.7% ownership in the company, establishing him as a significant influencer in the business landscape. As one of Asia's wealthiest individuals, Ambani's strategic leadership has propelled Reliance Industries to unprecedented heights. His annual remuneration of around 15 crores solidifies his position as one of India's highest-paid CEOs.

Under Ambani's direction, Reliance has flourished across various sectors, notably in telecoms and petrochemicals, cementing its status as a corporate powerhouse. Ambani's relentless pursuit of innovation and visionary leadership has not only elevated Reliance on the Indian economic stage but has also earned him global recognition as a business legend. Renowned for his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic acumen, Ambani serves as an inspiration to leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide.

2. Gopal Vittal- CEO of Bharti Airtel

The Early Life of  Gopal Vittal

Gopal Vittal Birth- Gopal Vittal, was born in 19671, (57 Years). He spent his school days at Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh, India

Gopal Vittal Net worth – 16.84 crore

Gopal Vittal Awards –

Best Brand’ and the ‘Best Mobile Operator’ at the World Communications Award, Gopal is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, and has received Honorary Doctorates from several leading universities in India and Europe.

The Best Gopal Vittal Quote –

“The primary purpose of this is a commitment to building a world-class network in India.”

Background and Leadership of Gopal Vittal :

Education: Gopal Vittal is an alumnus of Madras Christian College and holds an MBA from IIM Calcutta.

Career Path: He joined Bharti Enterprises and served as the Group Director of special Projects before taking on his current role at Airtel 3.

Gopal Vittal Industry Influence:

Gopal Vittal is closely associated with spearheading the Indian industry’s global trade and investment initiatives.

Mr. Gopal Vittal is the amazing leader of Bharti Airtel, the renowned telecommunications company and the third largest service provider in India. Vittal is regarded as a corporate leader, a patron, and a philanthropist. He has made noteworthy and noteworthy contributions to the telecom sector. His strategic views and imaginative attitude have been instrumental in determining Bharti Airtel's trajectory towards greatness.

Mr. Gopal Vittal is among the highest-paid CEOs in India when it comes to corporate salary. His devotion and contributions to Bharti Airtel's success are appropriately acknowledged and rewarded, as evidenced by his yearly compensation of around 169.73 million, as revealed in the 2017–18 annual report. In addition to driving Bharti Airtel to unprecedented levels of innovation and growth, In terms of the top 10 CEOs in India and the top 10 CEOs with the highest salaries, Gopal Vittal comes in at number two.

About Bharti Airtel Company:

Bharti Airtel, established in 1995, stands as a prominent telecommunications giant with a rich legacy of pioneering innovations and transformative services. With a steadfast commitment to delivering seamless connectivity and cutting-edge solutions, Bharti Airtel has solidified its position as a market leader in the telecommunications sector.

Operating across 17 countries, including India, Africa, and South Asia, Bharti Airtel has significantly expanded its global footprint. Through strategic partnerships and innovative ventures, the company has extended its reach to serve millions of customers worldwide, catering to diverse needs and preferences.

In addition to its widespread presence, Bharti Airtel continues to assert its dominance by consistently ranking among the top three mobile operators on a global scale. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and a customer-centric approach, the company remains at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, driving forward with agility and resilience.

In recent years, Bharti Airtel has embarked on a journey of digital transformation, embracing emerging technologies to enhance its service offerings and streamline operations. From the deployment of advanced 5G infrastructure to the expansion of high-speed broadband networks, Bharti Airtel remains at the forefront of innovation, paving the way for a connected future.

Furthermore, Bharti Airtel's unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility underscores its dedication to creating a positive impact in the communities it serves. Through various initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, the company continues to make meaningful contributions to society, embodying its ethos of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

As Bharti Airtel continues to evolve and adapt to the dynamic landscape of telecommunications, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals, businesses, and communities through seamless connectivity and digital solutions, reaffirming its position as a trailblazer in the industry.

Brand Recognition: Airtel has been recognized as the second most valuable brand in India by Brand Equity.

Also Read: Most Inspiring Women Worldwide: Global Role Models

3. CP Gurnani- CEO of Tech Mahindra

The early life of CP Gurnani

Birth of  CP Gurnani - Chander Prakash Gurnani, commonly known as C. P. Gurnani, was born on December 19, 1958, (65 Years) in the small town of Neemuch, located in Madhya Pradesh, India

The net worth of CP Gurnani – 32 crore

Awards of CP Gurnani –

‘CEO of the Year’ Award for the year 2014

The Best CP Gurnani Quote -

“If you don’t fight for what you want, don’t cry for what you lost. Nothing depends on luck, everything depends on work because even luck has to work”.

Background and Leadership of CP Gurnani 

Education: His formative years were spent in Chittorgarh, Kota, and Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan.

• He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela

Gurnani’s leadership qualities have earned him several accolades:

• Ernst and Young ‘Entrepreneur of the Year [Manager]’
• CNBC Asia’s ‘India Business Leader of the Year’
• Dataquest ‘IT person of the Year’ (2013)
• Dataquest IT Person of the Year (2014)

C P Gurnani, epitomizing resilience and determination, attains remarkable success through intelligence, hard work, and unwavering dedication. His annual remuneration of approximately 165.6 crores is a testament to his enduring commitment and outstanding contributions. Ranked 3rd among India's top 10 CEOs and highest-paid CEOs in 2024, Gurnani's journey is a testament to his remarkable achievements.

About Tech Mahindra Company

Tech Mahindra Limited is an Indian multinational technology company, part of the Mahindra Group, a conglomerate with interests in automotive, aerospace, agribusiness, and other sectors. Tech Mahindra primarily operates in the information technology (IT) services and consulting industry. Here's an overview of the company:

 Tech Mahindra was founded in 1986 as a joint venture between Mahindra & Mahindra and British Telecom (BT), initially operating as a telecom equipment manufacturer. Over the years, it diversified its offerings to become a leading provider of IT services.

Tech Mahindra offers a wide range of IT services, including consulting, digital transformation, enterprise solutions, application development and maintenance, infrastructure management, cybersecurity, and business process outsourcing (BPO).

4. S N Subrahmanyam- CEO of Larsen and Tourbo

The Early life of  S N Subrahmanyam

Birth of  S N Subrahmanyam -  S. N. Subrahmanyam was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India on March 16, 1960, (63 Years)

The net worth of S N Subrahmanyam –  61.27 crore

Awards of S N Subrahmanyam –

CEO of the Year Award for the year 2014 and CEO of the Year Award for the year 2014.

The Best S N Subrahmanyam Quote –

“Be brave, be safe, take care, my prayers are with all of you to get over this.”

Background and  Leadership of S N Subrahmanyam 

Education: He attended Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in Chennai and graduated in Civil Engineering from Regional Engineering College Kurukshetra (now known as National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra).

Subsequently, he pursued a Master’s in Business Administration from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, followed by an Executive Management Programme from the London Business School.

S N Subrahmanyam Chairman & Managing Director of L&T: SNS currently leads L&T, a USD 21 billion conglomerate, with integrated capabilities spanning the entire spectrum from design to delivery.

About Larsen and Tourbo Company

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), established in 1938, stands as a diversified conglomerate with a global presence and a reputation for excellence across various industries. From engineering and construction to technology and manufacturing, L&T has emerged as a powerhouse of innovation and engineering prowess.

With a rich heritage spanning over eight decades, L&T has consistently delivered landmark projects and cutting-edge solutions that have shaped the infrastructure and industrial landscape of India and beyond. The company's unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction has earned it the trust of clients and stakeholders worldwide.

Operating across multiple verticals, including infrastructure, power, defense, and technology services, L&T has established itself as a leader in each domain. Through a combination of strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and a talented workforce, L&T continues to push the boundaries of innovation and redefine industry standards.

In recent years, L&T has embarked on a journey of digital transformation, leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and data analytics to drive operational efficiency and enhance customer experiences. The company's focus on innovation and digitalization has enabled it to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive business environment.

S N Subrahmanyam Vice Chairman on the Boards:

• L&T Infotech (LTI)
• L&T Mindtree
• L&T Technology Services
• Chairman of L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited
• Director and Chairperson of L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.

National Safety Council (NSC) Chairman: Appointed by the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment, he guides the NSC in ensuring safety in workplaces under the new Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.

Climate Finance Leadership Initiative (CFLI) India: SNS is one of the nine founding members.

L&T's founder, S N Subrahmanyam, embodies the success mantra of careful planning, unwavering effort, and skillful risk management. Subrahmanyam's leadership at L&T, a corporation known for its excellent work and personal ethics, exemplifies development, commitment, and diligence. The value he adds to the company is reflected in his yearly salary, which exceeds INR 31 crores and includes stock option compensation.

Subrahmanyam is regarded as a renowned leader in the business and his strategic vision and persistent devotion have contributed considerably to L&T's continuing success. He was ranked fourth among India's top 10 CEOs and the highest-paid CEO in 2024.

5. Kalanithi Maran- CEO of Sun Group

He is also the CEO of Suryan Ltd, Red F M, sun cable vision, and Sun Pictures

The Early Life of  Kalanithi Maran

Birth of  Kalanithi Maran - Kalanithi Maran was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India on July 24, 1965, (59 Years)

The net worth of  Kalanithi Maran – 87.50 crore

Awards of  Kalanithi Maran –

Indian Telly Award for Contribution to TV, Young Businessman awards from CNBC and Ernst & Young.

The Best Kalanithi Maran  Quote –

“Whatever business I do; I am an active player.”

Background and Leadership of  Kalanithi Maran

Education: He attended Don Bosco School in Chennai for his schooling.

• Kalanithi pursued his undergraduate studies in commerce at Loyola College, Chennai.
• He further honed his skills by obtaining an MBA from the University of Scranton.

Leadership: Kalanithi Maran has received accolades for his leadership and business acumen.

Alongside his wife, Kavery, he consistently ranks as one of the highest-paid business executives in India.

About Sun Group Company

Sun Group is a prominent conglomerate based in Vietnam with diversified business interests spanning across real estate, hospitality, entertainment, and leisure industries. Founded by billionaire entrepreneur Mr. Nguyen Dang Quang, Sun Group has emerged as one of the leading companies in Vietnam and has also made significant strides internationally.

Sun Group has also been involved in infrastructure development projects, including cable car systems and transportation facilities, to enhance connectivity and accessibility to its tourism destinations.

Kalanithi Maran, hailed as the television king of southern India, epitomizes the adage of daring to do the unconventional to achieve unprecedented success. As a young businessman, he has carved a niche for himself in the competitive world of entrepreneurship, earning accolades for his innovative approach and remarkable achievements.

His annual remuneration of INR 77.9 crores is a testament to his excellence and unwavering commitment to his endeavors. Ranked 5th among India's top 10 CEOs and highest-paid CEOs in 2024, Maran's leadership exemplifies vision, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the business landscape.

6. Pawan Munjal- CEO of Hero MotoCorp

The Early life of Pawan Munjal

Birth of Pawan Munjal - Pawan Munjal was born in Delhi, India in 1956, (70 Years)

The net worth of Pawan Munjal – 170 crores USD

Awards of Pawan Munjal –

ET Awards 2020 and The Economic Times Award for Corporate Excellence 2020.

The Best Pawan Munjal Quote –

“There is no fun without challenges.”

Background and leadership of Pawan Munjal

Education: Pawan Munjal was born in 1956 in Delhi, India.

• He completed his school education at The Doon School.
• For higher studies, he attended the National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, where he pursued his graduation.

leadership: Under his leadership, Hero MotoCorp achieved the prestigious title of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer in 2001 and has consistently retained this position for 22 consecutive years.

The company has also surpassed the remarkable milestone of 112 million units in cumulative production and sales. 

About Hero MotoCorp Company

Hero MotoCorp has been focusing on research and development to innovate its products continuously. It invests in technology to enhance performance, fuel efficiency, and safety features of its vehicles.

Hero MotoCorp is also committed to sustainability and has initiatives focusing on reducing its carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, and promoting renewable energy sources in its operations.

The company actively participates in various CSR initiatives, especially in the areas of education, healthcare, environment, and community development.

Hero MotoCorp's chairman, managing director, and CEO, Mr. Pawan Munjal, demonstrates excellent leadership by putting the needs of his customers first. Munjal has achieved tremendous success in the highly competitive automobile sector by a rare combination of hard effort and good fortune. His unwavering pursuit of perfection is highlighted by his tenacious mindset, which is summed up by the notion that winners fail until they succeed.

Hero MotoCorp has achieved remarkable success because of the strategic vision and unwavering devotion of Munjal, who is among the highest-paid CEOs, with a net worth of $3.2 billion as reported by Forbes. Munjal is ranked sixth out of the top 10 CEOs in India, and his leadership is a source of great encouragement for the business community.

Also Read: Success Story Make Bill Gates Your Inspiration

7. Salil Parekh- CEO of Infosys

The Early life of Salil Parekh

Birth of Salil Parekh: Salil Parekh was born on May 01, 1965, (59 Years) in Mumbai

The net worth of Salil Parekh– 35 Cr

Awards of Salil Parekh–

the Best CEO in the Private Sector by Forbes India award.

The Best Salil Parekh Quote–

“The idea is, this is a huge market, how can we be more relevant for our client’s future through this market.”

Background and Leadership of Salil Parekh

Education: Salil Parekh graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

• He further pursued a Master of Engineering in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University

About Infosys Company

Infosys is a multinational corporation that provides information technology, consulting, and outsourcing services. It was founded in 1981 by Narayana Murthy and six other entrepreneurs in Pune, India. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, Infosys has grown to become one of the largest IT services companies in the world.

The company has been at the forefront of adopting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, and data analytics to deliver innovative solutions to its clients.

Before joining Infosys, Salil Parekh held leadership positions at Capgemini for 25 years, including membership in the Group Executive Board. His tenure involved overseeing key business clusters like Application Services and Cloud Infrastructure Services. Parekh embodies traits essential for success: endurance, patience, and determination.

Under his leadership, Infosys has soared to unprecedented heights, benefiting greatly from his strategic insight. With an annual salary of approximately INR 35 crores, Parekh solidifies his status as a top CEO in India, ranking seventh among the highest-paid CEOs in 2024.

8. Satya Nadella - CEO of Microsoft India

The Early Life of  Satya Nadella

Birth of  Satya Nadella - Satya Nadella, was born on August 19, 1967, (56 Years) in Hyderabad, India

The net worth of  Satya Nadella – $54.94 million

Awards of  Satya Nadella –

CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Global Indian

The Best Satya Nadella Quotes –

“Our industry does not respect tradition. It only respects innovation.”

Background and Leadership of  Satya Nadella :

Education: He pursued electrical engineering at Mangalore University, earning his B.Sc. in 1988.

• Later, he moved to the United States, where he completed his master’s degree in computer science at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

leadership: Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has embraced a cloud-first, mobile-first strategy.

• His vision has transformed the company, emphasizing collaboration, openness, and empathy.
• Nadella’s tenure has been marked by a focus on inclusive growth, AI, and sustainability.

About Microsoft India Company

Microsoft India is involved in a variety of activities, including software development, sales and marketing, customer support, research and development, and corporate functions. It serves both the Indian market and contributes to Microsoft's global operations.

Microsoft India has established research and development centers in Bangalore and Hyderabad. These centers focus on developing innovative technologies and solutions tailored to local and global needs.

Microsoft is a household name that is associated with innovation and technology that appeals to people of all ages worldwide. Microsoft is a well-known company that offers a wide range of products and services, including computer software, mobile phones, and IT services. It is particularly notable for its unique features and exceptional functioning. Under Satya Nadella's direction, Microsoft has made great progress in India, receiving praise and accolades for its innovative strategy.

With an astounding $25.84 million in sales, Microsoft India has reached new heights thanks to Nadella's strategic vision. Ranking eighth among the top ten CEOs in India and the highest-paid CEO in 2024, Nadella's direction has kept Microsoft on a path of innovation and long-term success, making him a well-known figure in the Indian corporate community.

9. Savitri Jindal- CEO of Chairperson Emeritus of O.P. Jindal Group

The Early life of Savitri Jindal

Birth of Savitri Jindal: Savitri Jindal, was born in Tinsukia, Assam on March 20, 1950, (83 years)

The net worth of Savitri Jindal: 2,880 crores USD

Award of Savitri Jindal

• Padma Bhushan
• Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year

Background and leadership of Savitri Jindal

Education: Savitri Jindal received her schooling in Assam, her native state.

• Interestingly, she did not attend college, but she earned her diploma degree from Assam University

About O.P. Jindal Group Company

The O.P. Jindal Group is a prominent conglomerate based in India with diversified interests across various sectors. Founded by Om Prakash Jindal, the group has grown significantly since its inception and has become one of the leading industrial conglomerates in the country.

The O.P. Jindal Group has a significant international presence with operations and subsidiaries in several countries across continents. It exports its products to numerous countries and contributes to global trade.

The group has a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives. It undertakes various CSR activities in areas such as education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and community development.

Savitri Jindal, India's richest woman with a net worth of $18 billion, is among the wealthiest Indians. Born into the prominent Rasiwasia family in Tinsukia, Assam, her life changed when she married O.P. Jindal, founder of the Jindal Group. Following her husband's demise in 2005, she assumed leadership of the conglomerate.

Savitri Jindal, experienced in politics, served in cabinet posts for the INC in Haryana and was a member of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha. Her journey reflects tenacity and dedication to continuing her husband's legacy in both corporate and political arenas.

10. Guenter Butschek- CEO of Tata motors

The early life of Guenter Butschek

Birth of Guenter Butschek - Guenter Karl Butschek, was born on October 21, 1960, (63 Years) in Germany 

The net worth of Guenter Butschek– 29 crores

The Best Guenter Butschek Quotes –

“Rule 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget rule No. 1”.

Background and leadership of Guenter Butschek

Education – Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University

About Tata motors Company

Tata Motors Limited is a leading global automobile manufacturing company based in India. Tata Motors manufactures a diverse range of vehicles including passenger cars, utility vehicles, trucks, buses, and defense vehicles. It produces both commercial and passenger vehicles catering to various segments of the automotive market.

 While Tata Motors is headquartered in Mumbai, India, it has a significant global presence with operations in over 125 countries. The company has manufacturing facilities in India, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Thailand, and Argentina.

Guenter Butschek, the epitome of effective delegation, calculated risk-taking, and adept management of a diverse workforce, consistently garners praise for his exceptional efforts. As a dedicated leader for one of the nation's most prestigious companies, Butschek's commitment to the company's developmental approach is unwavering. His annual remuneration of around INR 22 crores reflects the significant value he brings to the organization.

Ranked 10th among India's top 10 CEOs and highest-paid CEOs, Butschek's strategic vision and diligent work ethic have been instrumental in driving the company's growth and success. His leadership serves as an inspiration in navigating the complexities of the business landscape with finesse and determination.