Archive · 1 Dec 2025
CEO Compensation Reflects Leadership Evolution in India
In India, more CEOs are earning over $1 million, and their total pay has increased a lot.
This isn't just about higher salaries but shows that Indian companies are growing and want to compete globally.
Founders of new digital companies are getting even bigger pay raises than professional executives.
However, there are still few women in these top jobs, and there aren't enough leaders to meet the demand.
Companies are paying more to keep and attract the best leaders, which could help Indian companies grow and compete better worldwide.
The number of Indian CXOs earning over US$1 million rose to 227 in FY25, with aggregate compensation increasing by 36%.
Founder leaders saw a 61% increase in compensation, while professional executives saw a 23% increase.
New-age digital-economy founders secured four of the top ten positions in CEO compensation.
The gender gap remains significant, with women accounting for only 4% of million-dollar CXOs.
The demand for high-quality leaders exceeds supply, driving up compensation and raising the stakes of top-level hiring.
- Who
- Indian CEOs and top executives
- What
- Increase in CEO compensation and leadership evolution in India
- When
- FY25 and multi-year horizon since 2021
- Where
- India
- Why
- Corporate India's global ambition, scale, and competition with global talent
- Number of CXOs earning over US$1 million in FY25
- 227
- Aggregate compensation of million-dollar CXOs in FY25
- ₹7,025 crore
- Percentage increase in founder leaders' compensation
- 61%
- Percentage increase in professional executives' compensation
- 23%
- Percentage of women among million-dollar CXOs
- 4%
- Percentage increase in number of million-dollar CXOs since 2021
- 81%
- Percentage increase in total compensation for highest-paid executives since 2021
- 77%