Sandeep Kataria, the Chief Executive Officer of Bata, has announced that he will be resigning from his role in September to seek fresh prospects. The departure will coincide with the appointment of Panos Mytaros as the corporation’s new Global CEO.
Kataria, who started his tenure with the Switzerland-based footwear company in 2020, was the first Indian to spearhead the brand, which has been in business for 130 years. During his time with Bata, Kataria played a crucial role in modernizing its global operations. His tenure witnessed a significant transformation of the brand, including a revamped identity, streamlined operations, and a shift towards digital and design-led innovation.
In a highly competitive and digital-dominated retail landscape, Kataria was credited for enhancing Bata’s market positioning across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The company expressed deep appreciation for his contributions, emphasizing his tireless dedication to the people and his passion for the Bata brand.
Looking back at his time with the company, Kataria portrayed Bata as “a community, a legacy, and a force for good,” expressing that leading the team was one of the most significant privileges of his life. It is expected that Kataria will remain with the company for several months to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.
The new Global CEO, Panos Mytaros, is an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in the footwear and leather industry. Prior to his appointment at Bata, he held the position of CEO at the Danish shoe company, Ecco.
Graham Allan, the chairman of Bata, praised Mytaros for his deep industry knowledge and passion for footwear craftsmanship. “His track record in brand building and developing compelling footwear collections, as well as in leading complex international organizations, made him the ideal candidate to guide Bata through our next phase of growth,” Allan added.
Bata, established in 1894 in the present-day Czech Republic, continues to be a family-owned business. The company sells approximately 150 million pairs of shoes annually under roughly 20 brands, including Bata, North Star, and Power.
In India, Bata operates over 1960 stores, selling roughly 50 million pairs annually. This makes it the country’s leading footwear company in terms of both revenue and volume.
Who is replacing Sandeep Kataria as the CEO of Bata?
Panos Mytaros, previously the CEO of the Danish shoe company Ecco, will replace Sandeep Kataria as the CEO of Bata.
What significant changes did Sandeep Kataria bring about in Bata during his tenure?
During his tenure, Kataria led a significant transformation of the brand, including a revamped identity, streamlined operations, and a shift towards digital and design-led innovation. He also helped enhance Bata’s market positioning across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
What is Bata’s standing in the Indian market?
With more than 1960 stores and approximately 50 million pairs of shoes sold annually, Bata is the largest footwear company in India by both revenue and volume.
