ArdorComm Media News Network
March 30, 2026
The median compensation for professional, non-promoter CEOs in India increased by 5% year-on-year to ₹10.5 crore in FY 2025–26, according to a report by Deloitte. However, this marks the slowest pace of growth since the COVID-19 period, reflecting changing compensation structures and broader economic uncertainties.
The report highlights a shift in executive pay design, with greater emphasis on incentives, stock-linked compensation, and emerging leadership roles such as Chief Digital Officers. Experts note that subdued equity market performance over the past 12–18 months and rising geopolitical risks have contributed to more cautious salary increments.
Among top executives, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) saw the highest rise in compensation. This trend is driven by increased demand for financial expertise, a strong focus on capital efficiency, and direct accountability to shareholders. Notably, around 15% of companies in the NIFTY 50 witnessed changes in CFO positions, indicating significant churn and high demand for experienced talent.
The study also points to a transformation in remuneration strategies. Companies are moving away from a uniform approach and adopting multiple long-term incentive plans tailored to different employee groups. While larger firms, especially those in the NIFTY50, are implementing complex multi-year Performance Share Plans, smaller organisations continue to rely on traditional stock options or ESOPs.
Additionally, firms are increasingly linking executive rewards to internal performance metrics rather than stock price movements alone, aiming for sustainable value creation. Strengthened governance practices, clearer executive contracts, and improved transparency in compensation decisions are further shaping the evolving CXO pay landscape.
The findings are based on the seventh edition of the Deloitte India Executive Performance and Rewards Survey, released in September 2025, which covered insights from over 350 organisations across the country.
Source: PTI