In corporate leadership, executive compensation is often a reflection of the value and influence a leader brings to the organization. Ravi Kumar Singisetti, who became the CEO of Cognizant in January 2023, has set a new standard as India’s highest-paid CEO for FY2023, with a remarkable salary of Rs 186 crore. This has captured widespread attention, particularly in the IT sector.
Understanding Singisetti’s Compensation
Singisetti’s impressive salary package, as reported by Mint and Hindustan Times, includes a substantial one-time stock award valued at $20.25 million (approximately Rs 169 crore). Despite the eye-popping figure, his earnings represent just 0.11% of Cognizant’s 2023 annual revenue of $19.35 billion (around Rs 1.5 lakh crore). However, the stark contrast between executive pay and entry-level salaries at the company has sparked discussions, especially as Cognizant has been criticized for offering modest pay to fresh graduates.
Ravi Kumar Singisetti’s Career
After graduating from Shivaji University in Kolhapur with a degree in engineering, Singisetti went on to earn an MBA from the Xavier Institute of Management in Bhubaneswar.
He has a rich career history, having held leadership roles at renowned global organizations. Singisetti served as President at Infosys from 2016 to 2022, where he was responsible for global services and chaired the board of Infosys BPM Ltd. His leadership contributed significantly to Infosys’s growth during his tenure.
Before joining Infosys, Singisetti held pivotal positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cambridge Technology Partners, Oracle, and Sapient, establishing himself as a strategic and versatile leader in the IT industry.
Beyond his corporate career, Singisetti is actively involved in various organizations. He serves on the Board of Governors for the New York Academy of Sciences and is a Director on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors. In 2024, he also joined the Board of Directors for the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, furthering his efforts to strengthen international business relations.
As Singisetti continues to lead Cognizant, his leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the company’s future and influencing the global IT landscape.
