Rs 95 Crore Paycheck: HCLTech’s C. Vijayakumar Becomes Highest-Paid Indian IT CEO

HCLTech CEO C. Vijayakumar has emerged as India’s highest-paid IT CEO, earning ₹94.6 crore ($11.4 million) in the financial year 2024–25, according to the company’s annual report. His remuneration comprised:

  • Base salary: ₹15.8 crore
  • Performance-linked bonus: ₹13.9 crore
  • Long-term Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): ₹56.9 crore
  • Other bonuses: ₹1.7 crore

The US-based CEO received a 7.9% hike over his previous year’s compensation. His total salary was a staggering 662.5 times the median employee remuneration, highlighting the widening gap between top leadership and the average worker. The average salary hike for employees (excluding managerial staff) stood at just 3.1% during the same period.

Peer Comparison

  • TCS CEO K. Krithivasan earned ₹26.5 crore (FY 2023–24)
  • Infosys CEO Salil Parekh received ₹80.6 crore after a 22% raise
  • Wipro CEO Srinivas Pallia, in his first year, took home ₹53.6 crore

₹154 Crore Pay in 2025–26

The HCLTech board has approved a 71% increase in Vijayakumar’s compensation, raising it to $18.6 million (approx. ₹154 crore) for the current financial year. The hike acknowledges his long-standing leadership and strong performance record.

Growth Under Vijayakumar (FY16–FY25)

HCLTech’s performance under his leadership has been notable:

  • Revenue CAGR: 9.3% (highest among peers)
  • EBIT CAGR: 8.1% (second highest)
  • Net income CAGR: 6.9% (second highest)
  • $100M+ clients: Increased from 8 to 22
  • $50M+ clients: From 19 to 52
  • $20M+ clients: From 75 to 138

This expansion was enabled by a ‘One HCLTech’ approach, integrating services under a verticalized go-to-market model that enhanced agility, alignment, and client responsiveness.

Challenges Ahead

HCLTech Chairperson Roshni Nadar acknowledged a challenging demand environment, citing global trade uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. She emphasized that AI-led technology evolution is pushing the IT services industry to reinvent itself.

“HCLTech is prepared to adapt to these shifts and remain well-positioned to seize emerging opportunities,” she said.

Workforce Snapshot

  • Permanent employees: 1,67,316
  • Subsidiary employees: 56,104
  • Median employee salary hike: 17.6%

The report reaffirms Vijayakumar’s reappointment as CEO & MD from September 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030, as HCLTech bets big on strategic leadership amid an evolving tech landscape.

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