Salary of Asia's richest man, Mukesh Ambani's driver is more than the money earned by many top executives around the world

Mukesh Ambani, a titan in the business world renowned for his visionary leadership, continues to shape Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) into a global juggernaut. Under his stewardship, RIL has expanded its reach across diverse sectors including energy, petrochemicals, textiles, retail, and telecommunications, solidifying its position as a powerhouse of industry.

As of July 17, 2024, Forbes ranks Ambani as Asia's wealthiest individual and the world's 11th richest person, with a staggering net worth of approximately $122 billion.

Reliance Industries, founded by Ambani's late father Dhirubhai Ambani in 1966, has evolved from a modest textile manufacturer into a conglomerate spanning energy, petrochemicals, textiles, retail, and telecommunications. Following his father's legacy, Mukesh and his brother Anil diversified the family business after Dhirubhai's passing in 2002.

In a notable gesture during the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in August 2022, Mukesh Ambani opted to forgo his entire salary and associated benefits as Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Group. This decision underscored his commitment to supporting the company and its stakeholders during challenging times.

Ambani's personal salary has been capped at Rs 15 crore (about $1.8M) annually since the fiscal year 2008-2009, demonstrating his commitment to moderation in executive compensation despite his immense wealth. This deliberate act has seen Ambani sacrifice over Rs 24 crore (about $2.9M) each year.

While Ambani may not draw a significant salary, his approach to compensation extends to ensuring his employees are well rewarded. Notably, in 2017, a viral video revealed that Ambani's personal driver earns an astonishing Rs 2 lakh (about $2,400) per month, equating to an annual income of at least Rs 24 lakh (about $28,700). This revelation sparked curiosity about the driver's earnings in subsequent years.

Drivers for the Ambani family undergo rigorous training and are employed through private contracting firms. They are proficient in handling both commercial and luxury vehicles, equipped to manage challenging driving conditions and prioritize passenger safety. Ambani's vehicles are also fortified with bulletproof technology, ensuring the highest standards of security.