Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. Google CEO Sundar Pichai received a total compensation of $10.73 million (₹91.42 crore) in 2024, marking a 22% increase compared to ₹74.98 crore in 2023. The figures were revealed in a proxy statement released by Google’s parent company Alphabet in 2025. Pichai’s base salary remains at $2 million (₹17.05 crore), while the rest of his pay includes stock awards and additional compensation. His 2022 package stood significantly higher at $226 million (₹1,925 crore), largely due to performance-linked stock grants.
Over ₹70 Crore Spent on Pichai’s Security in 2024
A notable part of Pichai’s 2024 compensation includes $8.27 million (₹70.47 crore) allocated for his personal security. This marks a 22% rise from the $6.78 million (₹57.76 crore) spent on his security in 2023. The company clarified that this is not considered a personal benefit but a job-related requirement due to Pichai’s high-profile role and potential security risks. The security package covers home surveillance systems, protective travel arrangements, and personal drivers.
CEO’s Pay 32 Times More Than Average Google Employee
Pichai’s annual compensation in 2024 is 32 times higher than what an average full-time Google employee earned. According to Alphabet’s disclosure, the median salary of a Google employee in 2024 stood at $3,31,894 (₹2.82 crore), which represents a 5% increase from the previous year. As of 2024, Google employed 1,83,323 full-time staff members worldwide. The wide gap between executive and employee compensation has once again brought attention to the pay disparity within the tech industry.
Not a Luxury, But a Necessity, Says Alphabet
Alphabet defended the heavy expenditure on Pichai’s security, emphasizing that it is necessary for ensuring the safety of its top executive. The company stressed that given his global visibility and responsibilities, enhanced protection measures are essential. These measures are a standard protocol for executives in such high-risk positions and are not treated as perks or additional benefits in financial disclosures.
Pichai’s Journey as Google CEO Since 2015
Sundar Pichai, of Indian origin, took over as CEO of Google in 2015 and later also assumed leadership of Alphabet. Known for steering the company through major transitions, including artificial intelligence initiatives and global expansion, Pichai remains one of the most influential figures in the tech world. Despite debates around executive pay scales, Alphabet continues to back its decision, citing Pichai’s leadership and performance as central to the company’s ongoing success.
