Discover the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in India for 2024, featuring industry leaders from diverse sectors such as telecommunications, IT, FMCG, and finance. Learn about their remarkable achievements, educational backgrounds, and strategic leadership that drive their companies’ success. Find out how Mukesh Ambani, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Kalanithi Maran, Salil Parekh, and others earn their impressive remuneration packages while transforming the corporate landscape in India. Dive into the profiles of these influential CEOs, understanding the impact they have on their industries and the economy. Explore the key factors contributing to their high salaries and their contributions to business innovation and growth.
1. Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Industries Limited)
Img source – Reliance official website
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration | ₹150 Crores |
| Position | Chairman and Managing Director |
| Company Overview | Conglomerate with interests in petrochemicals, refining, oil, gas exploration, telecom (Jio), retail, and digital services |
| Achievements | – Transformed Reliance from a textile company into a diversified conglomerate<br> – Launched Jio, revolutionizing the Indian telecom sector<br> – Listed among the world’s most influential people |
| Education | Chemical Engineering from UDCT Mumbai, MBA from Stanford University |
| Philanthropy | Reliance Foundation focuses on education, health, rural development, and urban renewal |
| Awards | Various awards for business leadership and philanthropy |
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Remuneration: ₹150 Crores
Leadership: Chairman and Managing Director since 2002.
Company Overview: Reliance Industries is a conglomerate with interests in petrochemicals, refining, oil, and gas exploration, as well as telecom (Jio), retail, and digital services.
Achievements:
Transformed Reliance from a textile company into a diversified conglomerate.
Launched Jio, revolutionizing the Indian telecom sector by offering affordable data plans, leading to increased internet penetration in India.
Consistently listed among the world’s most influential people.
Education: Chemical Engineering from UDCT Mumbai, MBA from Stanford University.
Philanthropy: Actively involved in various social initiatives through Reliance Foundation, focusing on education, health, rural development, and urban renewal.
2. Natarajan Chandrasekaran (Tata Sons)
img source– TCS official wesite
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration | ₹130 Crores |
| Position | Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) |
| Company Overview | Tata Sons is the holding company for Tata Group, India’s largest conglomerate. TCS is a leading global IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization. |
| Achievements | – Led TCS to become one of the largest IT services firms globally<br> – Expanded Tata Group into new sectors such as aviation and electronics<br> – Consistently driven revenue growth and innovation |
| Education | Computer Science from REC Trichy |
| Memberships | IEEE, Computer Society of India, and British Computer Society |
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Remuneration: ₹130 Crores
Leadership: Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Company Overview: Tata Sons is the holding company for Tata Group, India’s largest conglomerate. TCS is a leading global IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization.
Achievements:
Led TCS to become one of the largest IT services firms globally.
Overseen Tata Group’s expansion into new sectors such as aviation and electronics.
Instrumental in TCS’s consistent revenue growth and innovation.
Education: Computer Science from REC Trichy.
Memberships: IEEE, Computer Society of India, and British Computer Society.
3. Kalanithi Maran (Sun Group)
img source : from live show
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration | ₹87.5 Crores |
| Position | Chairman and founder of Sun Group |
| Company Overview | Sun Group operates a network of television channels, radio stations, and a film production company. |
| Achievements | – Dominates the southern Indian media market<br> – Expanded operations to include FM radio and film production<br> – Recognized with Indian Telly Award |
| Quotes | “Whatever business I do; I am an active player.” |
| Philanthropy | Active in various social causes, particularly in education and healthcare |
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Remuneration: ₹87.5 Crores
Leadership: Chairman and founder of Sun Group, which includes Sun TV Network.
Company Overview: Sun Group operates a network of television channels, radio stations, and a film production company.
Achievements:
Dominates the southern Indian media market with a substantial viewership base.
Expanded operations to include FM radio and film production.
Recognized for his contributions to the TV industry with awards like the Indian Telly Award.
Quotes: “Whatever business I do; I am an active player.”
Philanthropy: Active in various social causes, particularly in education and healthcare.
4. Salil Parekh (Infosys)
img source – infosys official website
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration | ₹35 Crores |
| Position | CEO and Managing Director |
| Company Overview | Infosys is a global leader in technology services and consulting. |
| Achievements | – Led Infosys through significant growth and digital transformation<br> – Held senior positions at Capgemini and McKinsey & Company<br> – Renowned for strategic thinking and execution-oriented approach |
| Education | Aeronautical Engineering from IIT Bombay, Master’s in Computer Science from Cornell University |
| Recognition | Named India’s Highest Paid CEO by Business Today in 2017 |
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Remuneration: ₹35 Crores
Leadership: CEO and Managing Director of Infosys since 2018.
Company Overview: Infosys is a global leader in technology services and consulting.
Achievements:
Led Infosys through a period of significant growth and digital transformation.
Previously held senior positions at Capgemini and McKinsey & Company.
Renowned for his strategic thinking and execution-oriented approach.
Education: Aeronautical Engineering from IIT Bombay, Master’s in Computer Science from Cornell University.
Recognition: Named India’s Highest Paid CEO by Business Today in 2017.
5. Pawan Munjal (Hero MotoCorp)
img source – Heromotocorp official website
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration | ₹28.5 Crores |
| Position | Chairman, MD, and CEO |
| Company Overview | Hero MotoCorp is the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers. |
| Achievements | – Led the company after separation from Honda<br> – Expanded global footprint with products in over 60 countries<br> – Recognized with “Global Leader in Automotive” by Forbes |
| Education | Mechanical Engineering from NIT Haryana |
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Remuneration: ₹28.5 Crores
Leadership: Chairman, MD, and CEO of Hero MotoCorp.
Company Overview: Hero MotoCorp is the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers.
Achievements:
Successfully led the company after its separation from Honda.
Expanded the company’s global footprint with products in over 60 countries.
Recognized with awards like “Global Leader in Automotive” by Forbes and “Automotive Man of the Year” by CNBC-TV18.
Education: Mechanical Engineering from NIT Haryana.
6. Rajesh Gopinathan (Tata Consultancy Services)
img source – Rajesh Gopinathan linkedin post
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration | ₹20.4 Crores |
| Position | CEO and MD |
| Company Overview | TCS is a major player in the global IT services industry. |
| Achievements | – Over 20 years in IT, instrumental in TCS’s growth<br> – Developed strategic business models for market leadership<br> – Focuses on digital transformation for clients globally |
| Education | PGDM from IIM Ahmedabad, Electrical Engineering from REC Trichy |
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Remuneration: ₹20.4 Crores
Leadership: CEO and MD of TCS since 2017.
Company Overview: TCS is a major player in the global IT services industry.
Achievements:
Over 20 years in the IT industry, instrumental in TCS’s growth.
Developed strategic business models contributing to TCS’s market leadership.
Focuses on driving digital transformation for clients globally.
Education: PGDM from IIM Ahmedabad, Electrical Engineering from REC Trichy.
7. Sanjiv Mehta (Hindustan Unilever Limited)
img source – Sanjiv Mehta linkedin post
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration | ₹19.9 Crores |
| Position | Chairman and MD |
| Company Overview | HUL is India’s largest consumer goods company. |
| Achievements | – Led HUL’s transformation and growth in the FMCG market<br> – Worked with Unilever globally<br> – Implemented successful sustainability initiatives |
| Education | MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune |
| Experience | Over 38 years in FMCG |
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Remuneration: ₹19.9 Crores
Leadership: Chairman and MD of HUL.
Company Overview: HUL is India’s largest consumer goods company.
Achievements:
Led HUL’s transformation and sustained growth in the competitive FMCG market.
Prior experience with Unilever in various international markets.
Implemented successful sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.
Education: MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
Experience: Over 38 years in the FMCG industry.
8. Gopal Vittal (Bharti Airtel)
img source – airtel official website
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration | ₹13.7 Crores |
| Position | MD and CEO |
| Company Overview | Bharti Airtel is a leading global telecommunications company. |
| Achievements | – Enhanced Airtel’s market position<br> – Launched innovative products and services<br> – Implemented cost optimization strategies |
| Education | Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras, PGDM from IIM Kolkata |
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Remuneration: ₹13.7 Crores
Leadership: MD and CEO of Bharti Airtel.
Company Overview: Bharti Airtel is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 18 countries.
Achievements:
Enhanced Airtel’s market position in the highly competitive telecom industry.
Launched innovative products and services to improve customer experience.
Implemented significant cost optimization strategies.
Education: Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras, PGDM from IIM Kolkata.
9. Amitabh Chaudhry (Axis Bank)
img source – axis bank official webpage
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration | ₹12.8 Crores |
| Position | MD and CEO |
| Company Overview | Axis Bank is one of India’s leading private sector banks. |
| Achievements | – Over 32 years in banking, insurance, and IT<br> – Strengthened Axis Bank’s market presence<br> – Led digital transformation initiatives |
| Education | Engineering from BITS Pilani, MBA from IIM Ahmedabad |
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Remuneration: ₹12.8 Crores
Leadership: MD and CEO of Axis Bank.
Company Overview: Axis Bank is one of India’s leading private sector banks.
Achievements:
Over 32 years of experience in banking, insurance, and IT sectors.
Strengthened Axis Bank’s market presence and financial performance.
Led digital transformation initiatives within the bank.
Education: Engineering from BITS Pilani, MBA from IIM Ahmedabad.
10. Sandeep Bakhshi (ICICI Bank)
img source – ICICI official website
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration | ₹11.9 Crores |
| Position | MD and CEO |
| Company Overview | ICICI Bank is a leading private sector bank in India. |
| Achievements | – Over 35 years with ICICI, various leadership roles<br> – Improved risk management and compliance<br> – Focused on enhancing customer experience and digital banking |
| Education | Mechanical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, PGDM from XLRI Jamshedpur |
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Remuneration: ₹11.9 Crores
Leadership: MD and CEO of ICICI Bank.
Company Overview: ICICI Bank is a leading private sector bank in India.
Achievements:
Over 35 years with ICICI, holding various leadership roles.
Improved ICICI Bank’s risk management and compliance frameworks.
Focused on enhancing customer experience and digital banking services.
Education: Mechanical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, PGDM from XLRI Jamshedpur.
These leaders not only command high salaries but also drive innovation, strategic growth, and transformation in their respective industries. Their leadership has a significant impact on the Indian economy and global business landscape.
FAQs on Highest paid CEO in India :
Who is the highest-paid CEO of an Indian company?
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, is currently the highest-paid CEO in India, with an annual remuneration of ₹150 Crores.
Which CEO pays the highest salary?
Mukesh Ambani pays the highest salary to himself, being the highest-paid CEO in India.
Who is the highest-paid CEO of Cognizant India?
The highest-paid CEO of Cognizant (globally headquartered in the U.S., but with significant operations in India) was Brian Humphries before stepping down in 2023. Specific figures for the India head are typically not disclosed separately from global leadership.
Who is the top most CEO in India?
Mukesh Ambani is widely regarded as the topmost CEO in India due to his leadership of Reliance Industries and his significant impact on the Indian economy.
What is the maximum CEO salary?
In India, the maximum CEO salary is ₹150 Crores, earned by Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries.
What is a CEO’s monthly salary in India?
CEO salaries in India vary widely based on the company and industry. On average, a CEO in a large company may earn between ₹1 crore to ₹12.5 crores per month, with Mukesh Ambani’s monthly salary being around ₹12.5 Crores.
Who is the richest CEO?
Mukesh Ambani is not only the highest-paid CEO in India but also one of the richest individuals in the world, with significant personal wealth derived from his holdings in Reliance Industries.
Who is the highest-paid female CEO?
In India, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, is among the highest-paid female executives, though specific current salary figures may vary.
Which job has the highest salary in India?
The role of a CEO or Managing Director in a top-tier company typically commands the highest salaries in India.
What is the salary of the CEO of TCS?
Rajesh Gopinathan, the CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), earns an annual salary of ₹20.4 Crores.
What is the salary of Infosys CEO?
Salil Parekh, CEO of Infosys, earns an annual salary of ₹35 Crores.
Which is the best company for a CEO in India?
The best company for a CEO in India can be subjective and dependent on various factors like industry, growth opportunities, and market presence. However, Reliance Industries, TCS, and Infosys are often highlighted due to their size and impact.
Who is the 1st highest-paid CEO?
Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries is the highest-paid CEO in India.
Which CEO has the highest base salary?
Base salaries can vary, but Mukesh Ambani and Natarajan Chandrasekaran of Tata Sons have some of the highest overall remunerations, which include base salaries, bonuses, and other compensation forms.
What is the salary of the Bajaj CEO?
As of the latest data, Rajiv Bajaj, the MD and CEO of Bajaj Auto, earns an annual salary of approximately ₹32 Crores.
Who is the hottest CEO?
This question can be subjective and can vary based on personal opinions and criteria, including charisma, influence, and leadership style. Popular choices might include dynamic leaders like Natarajan Chandrasekaran or Sundar Pichai.
Who is bigger than a CEO?
In a corporate hierarchy, the Chairman of the Board or the Board of Directors collectively can be considered higher than the CEO, as they have the authority to hire or fire the CEO.
Who is more powerful, the CEO or the owner?
The owner (or major shareholder) of a company generally holds more power than the CEO as they have ultimate control over the company’s direction and key decisions. The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the company, as appointed by the owner or board.
