22-07-2025
Pawan Munjal top paid auto sector CEO in India. Check others on the list
CEO salaries in India continue to grow, even as the pay gap between top executives and ordinary workers widens. A recent report by Oxfam found that average CEO pay in the country has reached Rs 17.2 crore (around $2 million), and globally, executive salaries have jumped by 50% in real terms since worker wages have barely risen by 1% in the same time. The latest disclosures from India's automobile sector show a similar trend playing out, with many top executives earning multi-crore MotoCorp chairman and managing director Pawan Munjal remained the highest-paid auto sector CEO in FY25. His total pay stood at Rs 109.41 crore, the same as in the headline figure was unchanged, the breakup of his compensation saw changes. His basic salary, perks, and retirals were lower, but his commission payout increased, keeping the total amount no change in pay, Hero MotoCorp posted a 16% rise in profit and 9% revenue growth during the financial year, which made Munjal's earnings stand out less in GALLA REMAINS SECOND HIGHESTJayadev Galla, chairman and managing director of Amara Raja Energy and Mobility, took home Rs 67.29 crore in FY25. That marked a 6% rise over the previous pay package also showed one of the highest disparities in the industry. Galla's salary was 2,232 times higher than the median salary of his employees. In comparison, the average employee saw a 2.44% rise in wages during the same BAJAJ'S PAY ALIGNED WITH COMPANY GROWTHBajaj Auto managing director Rajiv Bajaj earned Rs 58.58 crore in FY25, showing a 9% matched the company's growth in profits, which also rose by 9%. Bajaj Auto has asked shareholders to approve his reappointment for another five-year term beginning April SHAH MAKES DEBUT IN TOP FIVEAnish Shah, Group CEO and managing director of the Mahindra Group, entered the list of top-paid auto CEOs for the first time. He received a 95% hike in pay, with his total earnings touching Rs 47.33 crore in Shah's leadership, Mahindra & Mahindra moved from the fourth to the second spot in India's passenger vehicle market, helped by the success of models like the Scorpio, Thar and the newly launched BOSSES SEE DOUBLE-DIGIT HIKESExport-oriented tyre maker Balkrishna Industries paid Rs 47.54 crore to its chairman and managing director Arvind Poddar, a 12% increase over last year. His son, Rajiv Poddar, who serves as joint managing director, received Rs 46.42 crore, a 13% CEOs SAW PAY CUTSNot everyone in the sector saw a rise. Neeraj Kanwar, vice-chairman and managing director of Apollo Tyres, saw his pay drop by 40% to Rs 40 fall was linked to a lower commission payout, which is tied to the company's profit performance. Apollo clarified that commissions are paid within shareholder-approved limits and are linked directly to earnings.- Ends
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