In a significant development that underscores the evolving dynamics of executive compensation in India’s IT sector, HCLTech CEO C Vijayakumar has emerged as the highest-paid CEO among his peers, drawing $10.85 million (approx. ₹90.2 crore) in total compensation for the fiscal year 2024–25. This surpasses the earnings of the CEOs of industry giants TCS and Infosys, highlighting HCLTech’s aggressive leadership and growth trajectory.
A Closer Look at the Compensation Breakdown
Base Salary and Perks
C Vijayakumar’s total pay package includes a mix of base salary, variable performance-linked pay, and long-term incentives. While his base pay is competitive, the bulk of the earnings came from performance incentives and stock options, aligning compensation with HCLTech’s business objectives and shareholder interests.
Comparison with Industry Leaders
- TCS CEO K Krithivasan and Infosys CEO Salil Parekh reportedly earned significantly lower packages, with Parekh’s FY25 earnings estimated around $6.7 million, and Krithivasan’s compensation details yet to be formally disclosed but expected to trail.
- Vijayakumar’s total payout reflects a global benchmark approach, especially relevant given HCLTech’s growing international footprint and global client base.
Industry Trends in Executive Compensation
Performance-Based Rewards
The compensation trend is increasingly performance-driven, tying leadership rewards to metrics such as:
- Revenue growth
- Operating margin
- Market share
- Digital transformation initiatives
Vijayakumar’s pay mirrors HCLTech’s consistent performance, client wins, and global expansion strategy.
Shift Towards Global Pay Structures
As Indian IT firms continue expanding globally, CEO compensation packages are aligning with international standards, especially for executives managing cross-border operations, innovation hubs, and digital transformation mandates.
Leadership Impact and Strategic Growth
Vijayakumar’s Role in HCLTech’s Success
Appointed CEO in 2016, C Vijayakumar has been pivotal in repositioning HCLTech as a digital and cloud services powerhouse. Under his leadership, the company:
- Crossed $12 billion in annual revenue
- Strengthened its position in cloud-native services, cybersecurity, and AI
- Expanded its global delivery footprint
Conclusion
C Vijayakumar’s $10.85 million compensation not only reflects his contributions to HCLTech’s robust performance in a highly competitive global market but also signals a broader shift in how Indian IT leadership is valued. As the sector continues to transform, executive compensation is becoming a key indicator of vision, performance, and the growing importance of global business strategy.
