The Deloitte India Executive Performance and Rewards Survey 2025 reveals that the average salary of CEOs in the country has climbed to ₹10 crore, marking a 13% increase over the previous year. The survey offers deep insights into executive compensation across India’s corporate landscape.
Key Highlights from the Report
- CEO Compensation Breakdown:
- Average Salary: ₹10 crore
- Fixed vs. Performance-based Pay:
- Only 40% of CEOs receive a fixed salary
- 60% have variable pay, tied to company performance
- Rise in Compensation Across Roles:
- Salaries for COO, CFO, CHRO, CMO, and CSO have also seen a 7–11% increase
- For these roles, 60% of the salary is fixed, while 40% is performance-linked incentives
- Top-Paid Roles After CEO:
- COO and CFO positions follow closely behind with average annual compensation nearing ₹4 crore
About the Survey
- Conducted by Deloitte India, this is the 6th edition of the Executive Performance Rewards Survey
- 400+ private companies from various sectors participated
- No public sector companies were included
Shifting Trends in Executive Pay
- Reduced short-term incentives for missing financial and strategic targets
- Greater focus on stock-based compensation, reflecting a shift towards long-term wealth creation
- Amid global economic uncertainty, the continued rise in executive pay signals confidence in corporate India’s leadership
