Why is Everyone Talking About C Vijayakumar?
Have you ever wondered who the top-paid CEO in the Indian IT industry is? In 2025, C Vijayakumar, the CEO of HCL Technologies (HCLTech), claimed the spotlight. His total compensation crossed $10.85 million (approximately ₹94.6 crore), making him the highest-paid Indian IT CEO of the year.
Let’s explore his journey, role in HCLTech’s growth, and a detailed look into his high-paying salary.
Who is C Vijayakumar?
C. Vijayakumar, also known as CVK, is a seasoned technology leader and a respected figure in the global IT services industry. Born in Tamil Nadu, India, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from PSG College of Technology.
He is 57 years old and has spent over three decades in the IT industry, most of it with HCL.
Early Career: How Did He Start?
Vijayakumar joined HCL Comnet, a division of HCL Technologies, in 1994 as a Senior Engineer. Back then, few could imagine he would one day lead the company.
He played a major role in building the Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM) model, which later became a globally recognized and billion-dollar industry. This innovation helped HCLTech become a leader in IT infrastructure services worldwide.
Rising Through the Ranks at HCLTech
Thanks to his technical skills and leadership style, Vijayakumar quickly moved up the ladder. In October 2016, he was named the CEO of HCLTech. His performance and vision led to his promotion as Managing Director and Chairman in July 2021, following the legendary Shiv Nadar, HCL’s founder.
Recently, his leadership was once again recognized. The company extended his term from September 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030, subject to shareholder approval.
Awards and Recognition
Vijayakumar’s contribution to HCL and the IT industry has not gone unnoticed:
Named India’s Best CEO in IT Services (Super Large category) by Fortune India.
Ranked #1 Best CEO in the Institutional Investor Research Asia Executive Team survey.
These awards reflect his commitment to innovation, growth, and employee satisfaction.
Why is His Salary So High?
Let’s get to the part that’s been making headlines — his salary.
According to HCLTech’s 2024-25 annual report, Vijayakumar earned a total of $10.85 million, up by 7.9% from the previous year.
In comparison, the average hike for HCLTech employees (excluding top management) was just 3.1%. His total earnings were 662.5 times the median employee salary, showing just how valuable he is considered by the company.
Breaking Down His $10.85 Million Pay Package
Here’s how his massive salary is structured:
Base Salary: $1.96 million
Performance-Based Bonus: $1.73 million
Long-Term Incentives (LTI) & RSUs: $6.96 million
Benefits and Perks: $0.20 million
This mix of salary, bonuses, and stock rewards is designed to reflect not just past performance but also future growth targets and company goals.
Why Did HCLTech Pay Him So Much?
HCLTech is one of the top IT companies in India, competing with giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro. Under Vijayakumar’s leadership, the company has:
Expanded aggressively in global markets
Increased its digital and cloud services portfolio
Strengthened its client base in the U.S. and Europe
Boosted its revenue and profit margins steadily
Paying a high salary to a CEO who is driving such strategic growth is part of the company’s effort to retain top talent and ensure long-term success.
What This Means for the IT Industry?
Vijayakumar’s high earnings signal an important trend: top-performing Indian CEOs are now earning at global levels. As Indian IT firms become more global and competitive, CEO compensation packages are rising, especially for those who can lead innovation and deliver strong results.
This also reflects a shift in how Indian companies value leadership, strategy, and performance in a fast-changing digital world.
Final Thoughts
C. Vijayakumar’s story is inspiring. From starting out as an engineer in a mid-level role to becoming India’s highest-paid IT CEO, he represents what hard work, vision, and innovation can achieve.
His leadership continues to shape HCLTech’s future and inspire the next generation of tech professionals in India and beyond.
