Gautam Adani, the founder of the Adani Group, has garnered attention not only for his vast wealth but also for his relatively modest salary compared to industry counterparts like Mukesh Ambani.
Wealth and Rankings
Despite earning considerably less in salary, Gautam Adani holds the prestigious title of the second-richest individual in India, boasting a staggering net worth of Rs 85 billion (Rs 7 lakh crore). As of the latest rankings, he stands as the 19th richest person globally.
Salary Comparison with Mukesh Ambani
While Gautam Adani has occasionally surpassed Mukesh Ambani in wealth rankings within India, his salary paints a different picture. Compared to Ambani’s capped salary of Rs 15 crore since 2009, Adani’s earnings from his executive roles are notably lower.
Salary Details by Company
Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL)
Gautam Adani received a total compensation of Rs 9.26 crore for the 2023-2024 financial year, derived mainly from his roles at Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) and Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ). His salary from AEL alone amounted to Rs 2.19 crore, supplemented by perquisites and allowances totaling Rs 27 lakh, bringing the total to Rs 2.46 crore. In contrast, family members and executives within AEL, such as his brother Rajesh Adani and nephew Pranav Adani, earned significantly higher salaries, bolstered by substantial profit commissions.
Key Executives’ Compensation
Vinay Prakash, a prominent executive and director at AEL, received a substantial compensation package amounting to Rs 89.37 crore, underscoring the disparity between executive pay and founder compensation within the company. Chief Financial Officer Jugeshinder Singh also earned a notable salary of Rs 9.45 crore.
Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ)
At Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ), Gautam Adani’s salary was reported at Rs 1.8 crore, supplemented by a Rs 5 crore commission slated for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This figure is comparatively lower than the earnings of his son Karan Adani, who received Rs 3.9 crore from the same company.
Gautam Adani’s salary structure and earnings highlight a deliberate strategy of modest personal compensation compared to his family members and key executives, reflecting his focus on wealth creation and strategic leadership within the Adani Group. Despite earning less in salary than Mukesh Ambani, Adani’s business acumen and wealth accumulation continue to place him among India’s and the world’s financial elite.
