Wipro’s latest financial disclosures reveal a significant surge in executive compensation amid a sharp recovery in profitability during fiscal year 2024–25. CEO Srinivas Pallia, who took the helm in April 2024, received a total remuneration of USD 6.2 million (Rs. 53.64 crore), underscoring a new compensation structure following the exit of former CEO Thierry Delaporte. Meanwhile, Executive Chairman Rishad Premji’s salary more than doubled to USD 1.6 million (Rs. 13.7 crore), reflecting improved company performance. The annual report, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, outlines the evolving pay dynamics at the top of one of India’s leading IT firms.
Leadership Compensation Reflects Financial Turnaround
Wipro’s executive compensation report for FY25 signals a notable shift aligned with the company’s financial resurgence. The Bengaluru-based IT major reported a consolidated net profit of Rs. 13,135.4 crore for the year, marking an 18.9% year-on-year increase. This profitability has translated directly into enhanced remuneration for top executives.
Rishad Premji, who had voluntarily taken a 20% pay cut the previous year due to stagnant profit growth, saw his total compensation more than double from USD 769,456 (Rs. 6.4 crore) in FY24 to USD 1.6 million (Rs. 13.7 crore) in FY25. The increase reflects Wipro's improved bottom line and the resumption of performance-linked pay structures.
CEO Srinivas Pallia Takes the Helm with Competitive Pay
Srinivas Pallia, appointed as CEO and Managing Director on April 7, 2024, received a total compensation of USD 6.2 million (Rs. 53.64 crore) in FY25. This package includes USD 1.7 million each in base salary and performance-linked variable pay, USD 2.8 million under ‘other compensation,’ and USD 68,850 in long-term benefits.
Pallia’s earnings, though substantial, remain significantly lower than those of his predecessor, Thierry Delaporte, who drew USD 20 million (Rs. 168 crore) in FY24. The new structure suggests a more balanced approach to executive pay, reflecting a maturing compensation philosophy tailored to long-term value creation.
Commission Structure and Stock Options
Both Premji and Pallia are eligible for commission payouts at the rate of 0.35% on the incremental consolidated net profit compared to the previous year. This performance-based component serves as a key incentive aligning leadership priorities with shareholder interests.
In addition to his monetary package, Pallia was granted 1,677,202 stock options with varying lock-in periods, which further anchors his incentives to Wipro’s sustained growth and stock performance. Notably, no stock options were awarded to Premji during the fiscal year, emphasizing a differentiated incentive scheme based on executive roles and performance metrics.
A Shift in Executive Pay Culture
Wipro’s disclosures highlight a broader trend of rationalizing executive pay amid greater scrutiny from investors and regulators. While the CEO’s compensation reflects industry benchmarks, it also signals restraint compared to previous years. Delaporte’s outsized package had drawn attention in FY24, prompting conversations around pay parity and governance within Indian corporates.
This recalibrated approach may serve to reinforce stakeholder confidence, especially as the IT industry faces global headwinds and margin pressures. By linking pay more closely with performance, Wipro appears to be aligning its executive remuneration strategy with evolving expectations for corporate accountability and fiscal prudence.
Conclusion
As Wipro navigates a post-transition phase with fresh leadership, its executive compensation framework offers insight into how India’s tech giants are adapting to changing market dynamics. The company’s robust FY25 performance has translated into lucrative, yet measured, pay for its top brass—highlighting a renewed emphasis on performance, transparency, and governance. With Pallia steering operations and Premji overseeing strategic vision, Wipro’s leadership seems poised to balance ambition with accountability in the years ahead.
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