C. Vijayakumar: The Rise of India’s Highest-Paid IT CEO and the Power Behind HCL Technologies
HCL CEO C. Vijayakumar earns ₹94.6 crore in FY25, making him India’s highest-paid IT CEO. Read his journey, earnings, and HCL Tech’s performance.
C. Vijayakumar: Leading HCL Technologies into the Future with Vision and Reward
In the ever-evolving landscape of global IT services, where talent, technology, and leadership determine the course of fortune, one name stands out in India today — C. Vijayakumar, the man at the helm of HCL Technologies. Recently, Vijayakumar made headlines for becoming India’s highest-paid IT CEO, taking home a staggering $10.85 million (approximately ₹94.6 crore) in the financial year 2024–25. But behind this impressive paycheck lies a journey of dedication, strategic thinking, and transformation that turned HCL Tech into one of the world's leading IT companies.
This blog not only explores Vijayakumar’s rise to the top but also offers insight into HCL Tech’s fundamentals, stock performance, and the financial ecosystem that supports such generous executive compensation.
The Humble Beginnings: From Tamil Nadu to Global Boardrooms
C. Vijayakumar, 57, hails from Tamil Nadu and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore. What makes his journey more inspiring is not just the destination, but the path he chose — full of innovation and initiative.
He began his career at HCL Comnet, a wholly owned subsidiary of HCL Technologies, as a Senior Engineer in 1994. At the time, he was part of a founding team responsible for setting up the company’s Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM) services — a model that would later become a cornerstone of HCL’s global delivery success.
Over the years, Vijayakumar wore many hats within the organization, climbing the ladder not through flashy credentials, but consistent performance and deep domain knowledge.
The CEO Era: Driving Transformation
Vijayakumar became the CEO of HCL Technologies in October 2016, and later took on the roles of Managing Director and Chairman in July 2021, following the legendary Shiv Nadar’s departure from the company’s top strategy role. Under his leadership, HCL has undergone a significant transformation:
-
Focus on Digital Transformation services and AI-led automation.
-
Expansion into new geographies and verticals, especially the US and Europe.
-
Strengthening of product engineering and cloud partnerships with Microsoft, Google, and AWS.
-
Launch of HCLSoftware, a spin-off unit focusing on enterprise software products.
These strategic moves have not only retained HCL’s spot among the top 4 Indian IT majors but have also enhanced its brand value globally.
Unveiling the Paycheck: Why is Vijayakumar Paid So Much?
According to the FY2024–25 annual report, Vijayakumar earned $10.85 million, which includes:
| Component | Amount (in USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $1.96 million | Fixed component |
| Performance-Linked Bonus | $1.73 million | Based on the company’s financial goals |
| Long-Term Incentives (RSUs) | $6.96 million | Performance-based restricted stock units |
| Perquisites & Allowances | $0.20 million | Other benefits |
| Total Compensation | $10.85 million | ₹94.6 crore approx. |
His salary increased by 7.9% compared to the previous year, while the average hike for employees (excluding managerial staff) stood at 3.1%. His earnings were 662.5 times higher than the median employee salary at HCL — a statistic that reflects both the weight of responsibility and the value the board assigns to his leadership.
Five-Year Extension: HCL Backs Its Man
On July 20, 2025, HCL Technologies re-appointed Vijayakumar as CEO & MD from September 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030, subject to shareholder approval. This decision signifies unshaken confidence in his leadership, especially in a world where many tech CEOs are scrutinized for performance inconsistencies.
Accolades and Recognition
-
Named India’s Best CEO in the Super Large IT Services category by Fortune India.
-
Ranked #1 in the Best CEO category in Institutional Investor Research's 14th Annual Asia Executive Team survey.
These aren’t just badges of honor — they reflect the global respect he commands from analysts, investors, and stakeholders.
HCL Technologies: Fundamental Snapshot (As of Q1 FY26)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | ₹3.15 lakh crore |
| Revenue (FY25) | ₹1.12 lakh crore |
| Net Profit (FY25) | ₹15,160 crore |
| EPS (TTM) | ₹56.3 |
| P/E Ratio | 28.1x |
| Dividend Yield | 2.2% |
| Return on Equity (ROE) | 23.4% |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio | 0.09 |
| Promoter Holding | 60.78% |
| FIIs + DIIs Holding | ~34.12% |
Strengths:
-
Healthy cash reserves and strong dividend policy.
-
Deep client relationships and multi-year contracts.
-
Diversified portfolio: Infrastructure, software, digital transformation.
Technical Analysis: HCL Tech Stock Outlook
As of August 2, 2025, HCL Technologies trades at around ₹1,520 per share on NSE.
Key Technical Indicators:
| Indicator | Value/Trend |
|---|---|
| 50-Day Moving Average | ₹1,470 (Bullish crossover) |
| 200-Day Moving Average | ₹1,400 (Long-term support) |
| RSI (Relative Strength) | 61 (Positive momentum) |
| MACD | Bullish |
| Support Levels | ₹1,470 / ₹1,400 |
| Resistance Levels | ₹1,540 / ₹1,600 |
The stock recently broke out above ₹1,500, a crucial resistance level, supported by strong volume and institutional buying. Technical charts show bullish continuation patterns, indicating positive sentiment in the medium term.
The Broader Message: Leadership Matters
Vijayakumar’s rise is not just a personal achievement; it underscores an important truth — IT leadership in India has matured. CEOs are no longer just technocrats; they are global business leaders managing cultural shifts, geopolitical risks, AI revolutions, and financial complexities.
His salary may be questioned by some as extravagant, but for a company like HCL Tech — a $25 billion enterprise operating across 50+ countries — leadership stability and vision come at a price.
What Lies Ahead for HCL Tech?
With Vijayakumar’s reappointment and a well-diversified portfolio, HCL Technologies is expected to:
-
Expand its global footprint in cloud, GenAI, and digital engineering.
-
Strengthen HCLSoftware as a growth vertical.
-
Continue to improve operational margins and increase share buybacks or dividends.
-
Position itself as a resilient player amid global uncertainties, including Trump-era tariff revivals or EU regulation tightening.
If executed correctly, HCL may see a re-rating in P/E valuations, possibly pushing the stock into the ₹1,800–2,000 range in the next 6–12 months.
Final Thoughts
C. Vijayakumar’s journey is a testament to loyalty, skill, and strategic acumen. His story reaffirms that Indian IT leadership is world-class, capable of competing globally both in innovation and compensation. As HCL Tech enters its next chapter under his continued leadership, investors, employees, and analysts will be keenly watching — not just for numbers, but for vision and execution.
Author’s Note:
As an admirer of corporate transformation and responsible leadership, I find Vijayakumar’s career to be a stellar example of what focused leadership can achieve. His compensation might be in the spotlight, but the real value lies in how HCL Tech continues to create jobs, deliver innovation, and grow responsibly under his watch. Investors should keep an eye on HCL — not just as a stock, but as a flagship of Indian IT excellence.
Comments
Post a Comment