Top 10 CEO Salary in India: Highest CEO Salary in India Per Month

In India, some CEOs earn mind-blowing salaries that far exceed the average worker’s pay. These top executives lead major companies and receive huge financial rewards for their leadership and expertise. This article takes a closer look at the 10 highest paid CEOs in India, showcasing the incredible earnings of these influential leaders. From the tech industry to consumer goods, these CEOs have made a significant impact on their companies and the Indian economy. Read on to discover who they are and how much they earn, revealing the staggering figures behind their success.

CEO Salary in India – 10 Highest CEO Salary in India Per Month

When we talk about top jobs in India, the role of a CEO, or Chief Executive Officer, is often at the top. CEOs are the leaders of companies, making big decisions that can affect hundreds or even thousands of employees. Because of their immense responsibility, they are often rewarded with very high salaries. 

1. Mukesh Ambani – Reliance Industries

Mukesh Ambani is one of the most famous CEOs in India. He leads Reliance Industries, one of the biggest companies in the country. His yearly salary is around ₹15 crore, which means he makes about ₹1.25 crore per month. Ambani’s leadership has transformed Reliance into a powerhouse, with interests in petrochemicals, refining, oil, telecommunications, and retail.

2. Salil Parekh – Infosys

Salil Parekh is the CEO of Infosys, a giant in the IT industry. His annual salary is about ₹35 crore, making his monthly earnings nearly ₹2.9 crore. Parekh has played a crucial role in steering Infosys through challenging times and driving its growth in the global market.

3. C.P. Gurnani – Tech Mahindra

C.P. Gurnani, the CEO of Tech Mahindra, earns around ₹22 crore per year. This means he takes home approximately ₹1.83 crore every month. Under his leadership, Tech Mahindra has seen significant growth and expanded its reach in the IT sector.

4. Sanjiv Mehta – Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)

Sanjiv Mehta heads Hindustan Unilever Limited, one of India’s largest consumer goods companies. His annual compensation is around ₹19 crore, translating to about ₹1.58 crore per month. Mehta has been instrumental in maintaining HUL’s position as a market leader in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

5. Pawan Munjal – Hero MotoCorp

Pawan Munjal is the CEO of Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. His yearly salary is approximately ₹85 crore, which means his monthly income is over ₹7 crore. Munjal has led the company to new heights, both in terms of production and innovation.

6. Kalanithi Maran – Sun TV Network

Kalanithi Maran, the CEO of Sun TV Network, receives an annual salary of about ₹87 crore, or roughly ₹7.25 crore per month. Maran has built Sun TV into one of the most prominent television networks in India, with a strong presence in the southern states.

7. Uday Shankar – Star India

Uday Shankar was the former CEO of Star India, now a part of Disney. His salary was around ₹22 crore per year, which is about ₹1.83 crore per month. Shankar played a significant role in transforming Star India into a leading entertainment network in the country.

8. N. Chandrasekaran – Tata Sons

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the CEO of Tata Sons, earns approximately ₹65 crore annually. This means his monthly salary is around ₹5.4 crore. Chandrasekaran has been pivotal in managing the diverse portfolio of Tata Group, which includes companies in various sectors such as steel, automotive, IT, and hospitality.

9. Sunil Mittal – Bharti Airtel

Sunil Mittal, the chairman and CEO of Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications companies, has an annual salary of about ₹30 crore, which translates to ₹2.5 crore per month. Mittal has been at the forefront of the telecom revolution in India, driving Bharti Airtel’s expansion and success.

10. Aditya Puri – HDFC Bank

Aditya Puri, the former CEO of HDFC Bank, earned around ₹18 crore annually, which is about ₹1.5 crore per month. Puri is credited with transforming HDFC Bank into one of the top private sector banks in India, with a strong focus on customer service and innovation.

List of Highest CEO Salary in India Per Month

Why Do CEOs Earn So Much?

The CEO salary in India, and indeed around the world, often reflects the immense responsibilities and pressures they face. Here are some reasons why CEOs earn such high salaries:

1. Decision Making: CEOs make crucial decisions that can affect the entire company. These decisions can lead to significant profits or losses.

2. Responsibility: They are responsible for the company’s success or failure. This includes managing employees, steering company policies, and ensuring the company meets its goals.

3. Skills and Experience: CEOs usually have years of experience and a proven track record of success. Their skills and expertise are highly valued.

4. Market Competition: In competitive industries, attracting and retaining a top CEO can require offering a very high salary.

5. Company Size: Larger companies with more employees and higher revenues typically pay their CEOs more because the job is more complex.

CEO Salary in India

Highest CEO Salary in India Per Month

Understanding the monthly earnings of these top CEOs can give a clearer picture of their compensation. Let’s take a closer look at the monthly salaries of the top-paid CEOs in India:

1. Mukesh Ambani: ₹1.25 crore per month

2. Salil Parekh: ₹2.9 crore per month

3. C.P. Gurnani: ₹1.83 crore per month

4. Sanjiv Mehta: ₹1.58 crore per month

5. Pawan Munjal: ₹7 crore per month

6. Kalanithi Maran: ₹7.25 crore per month

7. Uday Shankar: ₹1.83 crore per month

8. N. Chandrasekaran: ₹5.4 crore per month

9. Sunil Mittal: ₹2.5 crore per month

10. Aditya Puri: ₹1.5 crore per month

These figures show how significantly their earnings can vary from month to month. It’s important to note that these salaries often include base pay, bonuses, stock options, and other perks.

The Role of Bonuses and Stock Options in CEO Salary in India

A large part of a CEO’s salary can come from bonuses and stock options. Bonuses are usually tied to the company’s performance. If the company does well, the CEO gets a bigger bonus. Stock options give CEOs the right to buy company shares at a fixed price, which can be very profitable if the company’s stock price goes up.

For example, if a CEO is given the option to buy stock at ₹100 per share, and the stock price rises to ₹200, the CEO can buy the stock at ₹100 and sell it for ₹200, making a substantial profit. This aligns the CEO’s interests with those of the company’s shareholders, encouraging them to work towards increasing the company’s value.

CEO Salary in India and its Impact on Company Performance

Highly paid CEOs are often expected to deliver exceptional performance. Their high salaries can be justified if they can significantly boost the company’s profits, stock price, and overall market position. For instance, under Mukesh Ambani’s leadership, Reliance Industries has diversified into new sectors such as telecommunications (Jio) and retail, contributing to the company’s robust growth.

Similarly, Salil Parekh’s strategic direction at Infosys has helped the company navigate through competitive and technological challenges, ensuring steady growth and innovation.

The Debate on Highest CEO Salary in India Per Month

The high salaries of CEOs often spark debates about income inequality and fairness. Some people argue that no one should earn such high amounts while others struggle to make ends meet. However, supporters of high CEO pay argue that these leaders deserve their compensation due to their expertise, the high stakes of their decisions, and the value they bring to their companies.

Critics also point out that high CEO salaries can widen the income gap within companies, where the pay difference between the top executive and average employees can be vast. This has led to discussions about more equitable pay structures and the importance of rewarding all employees fairly.

Conclusion: CEO Salary in India

The CEO salary in India reflects the immense responsibilities and pressures faced by these top executives. The highest paid CEOs in India, such as Mukesh Ambani, Salil Parekh, and Pawan Munjal, earn mind-blowing amounts each month, demonstrating the value placed on their leadership and decision-making skills. While their high earnings are often a topic of debate, there is no denying the significant impact these CEOs have on their companies and the broader economy.

Understanding the dynamics behind CEO salaries can provide insight into the complexities of executive compensation and the factors that drive these impressive figures. Whether viewed as justified rewards for exceptional leadership or symbols of income inequality, the salaries of India’s top CEOs are undoubtedly a topic of fascination and discussion.

Also Read: Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs in India 2024 – Inspiring Journeys of Women

FAQs: CEO Salary in India

What is the average CEO salary in India?

The average salary of a CEO in India varies widely depending on the size and type of the company. However, in large and prominent companies, CEOs can earn anywhere from ₹1 crore to over ₹10 crore annually, including base salary, bonuses, and stock options.

Who is the highest paid CEO in India?

As of the latest data, the highest paid CEO in India is Kalanithi Maran of Sun TV Network, with an annual compensation package of around ₹87 crore.

How much does Mukesh Ambani, the CEO of Reliance Industries, earn per month?

Mukesh Ambani earns about ₹1.25 crore per month, totaling around ₹15 crore annually.

What components make up a CEO salary in India?

A CEO’s salary in India typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, stock options, and other perks such as housing allowances, travel expenses, and sometimes profit-sharing arrangements.

How do stock options work in a CEO’s compensation package?

Stock options give CEOs the right to buy company shares at a predetermined price. If the company’s stock price increases, the CEO can buy the shares at the lower price and sell them at the market price, making a profit. This aligns the CEO’s interests with those of the shareholders, incentivizing them to boost the company’s performance.

Why do CEOs in India earn such high salaries?

CEOs earn high salaries due to the significant responsibilities they hold, which include making critical decisions, managing large teams, steering company policies, and ensuring the company meets its strategic goals. Their experience, expertise, and the high stakes of their roles also justify their high compensation.

Is CEO salary in India justified?

The justification of CEO salaries is subjective and often debated. Supporters argue that high salaries are justified due to the immense responsibilities, skills, and experience required for the role. Critics, however, believe that such high salaries contribute to income inequality and that the pay gap between CEOs and average employees is too wide.

How does the size of a company affect the CEO salary in India?

Generally, the larger the company, the higher the CEO’s salary. This is because larger companies tend to have more complex operations, greater revenue, and higher stakes, which require more skilled and experienced leadership.

Do CEOs in India receive bonuses?

Yes, many CEOs in India receive performance-based bonuses in addition to their base salary. These bonuses are typically tied to the company’s performance, such as achieving specific financial targets or strategic goals.

How often are CEO salaries reviewed and adjusted in India?

CEO salaries are usually reviewed annually. During this review, the board of directors or a compensation committee assesses the CEO’s performance, the company’s performance, and industry benchmarks to decide on salary adjustments, bonuses, and other compensation elements.

Is there a significant difference between CEO salaries in different industries in India?

Yes, CEO salaries can vary significantly between industries. For example, CEOs in technology and telecommunications often earn more than those in traditional manufacturing sectors. The financial performance and competitive landscape of the industry also play a role in determining CEO compensation.

What role do shareholders play in determining CEO Salary in India?

Shareholders, through their voting rights, can influence CEO compensation, especially in publicly traded companies. Compensation packages are often proposed by the board of directors and require shareholder approval. Shareholders can voice their opinions and vote on these packages during annual general meetings (AGMs).