Tesla’s Chief Financial Officer, Vaibhav Taneja, has emerged as the highest-paid Indian-origin executive in 2024, with total earnings of $139 million (approximately ₹1,157 crore). His compensation package outpaced that of other prominent tech leaders like Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
While Taneja’s base salary from Tesla was $400,000 (around ₹3.33 crore), the bulk of his earnings came from stock options and performance-based equity. A significant portion of his wealth was realized through Tesla shares, which were valued at $250 each when he exercised his equity benefits.
Ahead of Silicon Valley Peers
Compared to Taneja’s $139 million in earnings:
- Satya Nadella earned $79.1 million.
- Sundar Pichai received $10.73 million.
This makes Taneja the top-earning Indian-origin corporate leader for the year and places him among the most highly compensated executives globally.
Professional Background
Vaibhav Taneja, 47, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi and is a Chartered Accountant. He began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), working there for 17 years across India and the United States.
In 2016, he joined SolarCity Corporation, which was later acquired by Tesla. He started at Tesla as Assistant Corporate Controller and gradually rose through the ranks to become CFO.
Role in Tesla India
Apart from his global responsibilities, Taneja also serves as the director of Tesla India Motors and Energy Private Limited, the company’s Indian arm aiming to bring Tesla’s electric vehicles to the Indian market.
Rising Amid Company Challenges
Taneja’s financial success comes at a time when Tesla is facing operational and market challenges in the US. However, his leadership and equity-linked incentives have made him a standout figure in the corporate world.
