Tata Sons’ N Chandrasekaran Draws ₹156-Crore, Joins List of India’s Top-Paid Executives

Tata Sons’ FY25 annual report revealed that executive chairman N Chandrasekaran earned a staggering ₹155.81 crore, propelling him into the league of India’s top-paid corporate leaders. The remuneration reflects a significant 15% increase over the previous year, even as the company reported a dip in profitability.

Massive Executive Compensation Despite Profit Decline

For FY25, Chandrasekaran’s ₹155.81 crore package included ₹15.1 crore as fixed salary and other benefits, while a majority, ₹140.7 crore, came as commission on profits. This 15% hike outpaced the company’s performance, as Tata Sons reported a 24.3% fall in profit after tax, dropping from ₹34,654 crore in FY24 to ₹26,232 crore in FY25.

Pay Details of Other Tata Sons Board Members

Following Chandrasekaran, other executives also saw significant payouts. Saurabh Agrawal, serving as executive director, received ₹32.7 crore in FY25, marking a 9% increase over the prior year. Noel Tata, newly appointed after Ratan Tata’s passing, was granted a commission of ₹1.42 crore. Independent director Anita George earned ₹3.20 crore as commission for her board role.

Board Member Changes and Compensation Trends

Leo Puri, who concluded his tenure in March 2025, received a payout of ₹3.13 crore. Meanwhile, non-executive board member Venu Srinivasan continued his practice of declining any commission from the company. These figures highlight stark disparities in compensation across board members, with Chandrasekaran’s package significantly outpacing his peers.

Read More: Tata Sons to Invest $400 Million in Tata Digital to Revive Its Struggling E-Commerce Business!

Implications of High Executive Pay Amid Declining Profits

The sharp contrast between rising executive payouts and declining profits sparks renewed focus on corporate governance. While performance-based commissions can justify high compensation, the scale of remuneration during weaker earnings cycles may draw scrutiny from stakeholders and observers alike.

Conclusion

N Chandrasekaran’s FY25 compensation from Tata Sons cements his position as one of India’s top-paid business leaders. Despite lower profits, executive remuneration increased across the board, underscoring both leadership value and evolving corporate compensation structures.

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