Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji’s Pay Falls 47%, CEO Srinivas Pallia Sees 7% Decline

Wipro’s latest annual report has revealed a decline in compensation for its top leadership team, reflecting the impact of lower performance-linked payouts during FY26.

Chairman Rishad Premji recorded the sharpest drop, with his total remuneration falling 47% year-on-year to ₹7.2 crore. CEO and Managing Director Srinivas Pallia also saw his compensation decline by 7%, bringing his total remuneration to ₹49.6 crore for the financial year.

The reduction was primarily linked to lower variable pay and incentive payouts rather than any significant change in fixed salary structures. Wipro’s executive compensation framework ties a portion of leadership remuneration to company performance, including profitability and other business metrics. As a result, fluctuations in financial performance can directly influence executive earnings.

For Pallia, the compensation package continued to include a mix of fixed pay, performance-linked incentives, and stock-based rewards. While his fixed salary increased during the year, lower variable compensation offset those gains and resulted in a lower overall payout. Similarly, Premji’s remuneration was impacted by a decline in commission-based earnings linked to profit growth.

The disclosures come at a time when the IT services industry is navigating cautious client spending, slower decision cycles, and increasing focus on operational efficiency. Companies across the sector are placing greater emphasis on profitability, productivity, and disciplined capital allocation as they adapt to evolving market conditions.

The compensation figures also underscore the growing role of performance-based pay structures in corporate leadership. By linking a significant portion of executive remuneration to business outcomes, organizations aim to align leadership rewards with company performance and shareholder interests.

As Wipro continues to focus on growth, profitability, and AI-driven transformation, executive compensation is expected to remain closely tied to the company’s financial and operational results in the years ahead.