The Indian IT industry has a new compensation champion! C Vijayakumar, CEO of HCLTech, has become the highest-paid executive in India’s IT sector, earning over $10 million in financial year 2024-25 (FY25). His pay reached $10.85 million (approximately Rs 94.6 crore), rising from $10.06 million (around Rs 84.17 crore) the previous year.
What makes this even more remarkable? The proposed annual salary is set at USD 18.6 million, marking a 71% increase from his FY25 earnings. The proposed structure significantly increases both fixed and performance-linked components.
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HCLTech Record-Breaking Compensation Breakdown
HCLTech CEO C Vijayakumar earned $10.85 million (about Rs 94.6 crore) in the financial year 2024-25, making him one of the highest-paid executives in the Indian IT sector and surpassing the earnings of chiefs at larger rivals TCS and Infosys.
Executive Compensation Comparison
| CEO | Company | FY25 Earnings (USD) | FY25 Earnings (INR) | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C Vijayakumar | HCLTech | $10.85 million | ₹94.6 crore | 1st |
| Rajesh Gopinathan | TCS | $2.8 million | ₹23.5 crore | 2nd |
| Salil Parekh | Infosys | $2.4 million | ₹20.1 crore | 3rd |
| Rishad Premji | Wipro | $1.8 million | ₹15.2 crore | 4th |
Why This Massive Pay Increase?
The answer lies in performance! Under Vijayakumar’s leadership, HCLTech’s market value quadrupled, outperforming other Indian IT services firms. This isn’t just about rewarding past success – it’s about retaining talent that delivers exceptional shareholder value.
HCLTech’s Stellar Performance Under Vijayakumar
- Market cap growth: 4x increase during his tenure
- Revenue expansion: Consistent double-digit growth
- Global recognition: Enhanced brand positioning
- Strategic acquisitions: Successful integration of key acquisitions
What’s Changing in FY26?
HCL Tech’s board has approved a revised remuneration package for Vijayakumar, effective from April 1, 2025, with his proposed annual salary set at $18.6 million (up 71% YoY). The proposed structure significantly increases both fixed and performance-linked components.
This astronomical increase reflects the board’s confidence in Vijayakumar’s ability to drive future growth and maintain HCLTech’s competitive edge in the global IT services market.
Vijayakumar’s Journey to the Top
C Vijay Kumar is the CEO and the Managing Director of HCLTech a global technology company. He has been working with the company since 1994. His three-decade journey from a young engineer to India’s highest-paid IT executive exemplifies dedication and strategic vision.
Career Highlights
- 1994: Joined HCLTech as a young professional
- 2007: Became President of Infrastructure Services Division
- 2016: Appointed as CEO and Managing Director
- 2025: Becomes India’s highest-paid IT executive
Industry Context: Why IT CEOs Earn Big
The massive compensation packages reflect several industry realities:
Global Competition for Talent
Top-tier IT executives command premium salaries worldwide. Indian companies must compete with Silicon Valley giants and global consulting firms for leadership talent.
Performance-Driven Culture
The revised compensation acknowledges C Vijayakumar’s successful and long-tenured leadership, emphasizing merit-based rewards that align executive interests with shareholder value.
Strategic Leadership Premium
Leading a $12+ billion revenue company requires exceptional skills in technology vision, global operations, and stakeholder management.
Market Reaction and Shareholder Value
The compensation increase hasn’t deterred investors. HCLTech’s stock performance under Vijayakumar reflects strong market confidence:
- Market leadership: Consistent outperformance against peers
- Innovation focus: Investments in emerging technologies
- Client retention: Strong relationships with Fortune 500 companies
What This Means for India’s IT Sector
Vijayakumar’s record compensation sets new benchmarks for executive pay in Indian IT. This trend suggests:
Talent War Intensification
As digital transformation accelerates globally, competition for proven IT leaders will drive compensation higher across the industry.
Performance Accountability
Higher pay comes with greater expectations. CEOs must deliver exceptional results to justify premium compensation packages.
Global Parity
Indian IT companies are moving toward global compensation standards to attract and retain world-class leadership talent.
Looking Ahead: The Future of IT Leadership
With AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation reshaping the technology landscape, experienced leaders like Vijayakumar become increasingly valuable. His compensation reflects not just past achievements but future potential in navigating complex technological shifts.
The message is clear: exceptional leadership in the digital age commands exceptional rewards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does C Vijayakumar’s compensation compare to global IT CEOs?
A: While Vijayakumar is India’s highest-paid IT CEO, global technology leaders like those at Microsoft, Google, and Amazon still earn significantly more, often exceeding $20-50 million annually. However, his compensation places him among the top-tier globally when adjusted for company size and regional standards, making HCLTech competitive in attracting world-class talent.
Q: Is such high executive compensation justified given the current economic challenges?
A: The compensation is performance-linked and reflects HCLTech’s exceptional growth under Vijayakumar’s leadership, including a 4x increase in market value. The 71% pay increase for FY26 is tied to ambitious performance targets, ensuring shareholders benefit proportionally. Given HCLTech’s consistent outperformance and revenue growth, the board views this investment in leadership as crucial for maintaining competitive advantage.
