From a Tamil Nadu farming family to the helm of the Tata Group, N Chandrasekaran has become one of India’s highest-paid corporate leaders
N Chandrasekaran, who has decided to step down as Tata Sons chairman after his term ends in February 2027, is among India’s most highly compensated corporate leaders. In FY26 alone, he earned Rs 158.66 crore from Tata Sons, although his personal net worth has never been officially disclosed.
His exit announcement has drawn attention to both his long leadership at the Tata Group and the substantial wealth he has accumulated over a career spanning nearly four decades. Chandrasekaran will continue in his role until his term concludes, having first taken charge of Tata Sons in 2017 after a long and successful stint at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Despite widespread speculation, there is no official figure for his net worth. Various media estimates suggest figures in the range of $100 million to $150 million, but these are not backed by verified financial disclosures and should be treated as approximations rather than confirmed wealth.
What is clearly documented, however, is his earnings from Tata Sons. In FY26, Chandrasekaran received Rs 158.66 crore in total remuneration, the highest since the company began disclosing executive pay in FY22. This included Rs 17.97 crore as salary and benefits, while a significantly larger portion of Rs 140.69 crore came from profit-linked commission. This structure means nearly 89 per cent of his pay is tied to the company’s performance.
More from BusinessHis compensation has steadily increased over the years, rising from about Rs 134.8 crore in FY24 to Rs 155.81 crore in FY25 and further to Rs 158.66 crore in FY26. Over five years, his total earnings from Tata Sons are estimated at around Rs 671 crore.
A major reason for the high figures is the performance-based commission model, which fluctuates with Tata Sons’ profitability. His commission has grown consistently, reflecting the group’s strong financial performance during his tenure.
Among his known assets is a luxury duplex in Mumbai’s Peddar Road area, purchased in 2022 for Rs 98 crore. The 6,000-square-foot residence spans the 11th and 12th floors of the 33 South building and is one of the most high-profile properties linked to him. He had previously lived there on rent after becoming chairman in 2017.
Born in 1963 in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district, Chandrasekaran began his journey with the Tata Group as an intern at TCS in 1987. He rose through the ranks to become CEO and later led TCS to global prominence before taking over Tata Sons in 2017.
Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded into aviation, semiconductors, electric vehicles and manufacturing, while strengthening its financial position significantly. Tata Sons’ net worth rose to about Rs 1.49 lakh crore in FY25 from Rs 45,586 crore in FY20.
As his tenure nears its end, Chandrasekaran leaves behind a legacy of major corporate expansion and strong financial growth, even as his exact personal net worth remains undisclosed.
