Wipro CEO Srini Pallia took home a total compensation of Rs 49.6 crore ($5.29 million) in the financial year 2025-26, according to the company's latest annual report. The package includes a base salary, allowances, performance-linked variable pay, and long-term incentives.
Breakdown of Compensation
Pallia's compensation comprised $1.65 million in salary and allowances, $1.05 million in commission and variable pay, $2.47 million in other benefits, and $108,464 in long-term compensation. The figures reflect Wipro's performance and the CEO's leadership during the fiscal year.
Context and Comparisons
This compensation package places Pallia among the highest-paid IT CEOs in India. For context, the median compensation for Wipro employees was significantly lower, highlighting the disparity between top executives and average workers. The company has faced shareholder scrutiny over executive pay in recent years.
Wipro, along with peers TCS and Infosys, has been navigating a challenging global IT services market, with clients tightening spending amid economic uncertainties. Pallia took over as CEO in April 2024, succeeding Thierry Delaporte.
- Total compensation: $5.29 million (Rs 49.6 crore)
- Salary and allowances: $1.65 million
- Commission and variable pay: $1.05 million
- Other benefits: $2.47 million
- Long-term compensation: $108,464
The report also detailed that Pallia's compensation was approved by the company's board and shareholders. Wipro's revenue for FY26 stood at $10.8 billion, a modest increase from the previous year.
Industry Reactions
Analysts noted that the compensation aligns with industry standards for large-cap IT firms. However, activist investors have called for greater transparency in linking CEO pay to long-term shareholder value. Wipro has defended the package, citing Pallia's strategic initiatives and cost optimization measures.
The company's stock has risen 12% over the past year, outperforming the Nifty IT index. Pallia's leadership has focused on artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to drive growth.
