In a significant leadership development, Sandeep Kataria, the first Indian to serve as Global CEO of Bata Corporation, has stepped down from his role after nearly five years at the helm of the Swiss footwear giant. The company is expected to make an official announcement later this week, with succession planning already underway.
Kataria’s Legacy at Bata
- Appointed Global CEO in November 2020, after leading Bata India since 2017
- Credited with modernizing the 130-year-old brand, advancing digital transformation, and revamping global supply chains
- Played a pivotal role in making India a strategic hub for design, sourcing, and manufacturing
- Spearheaded campaigns like ‘Surprisingly Bata’, repositioning the brand for younger consumers
Transition and Future Plans
- Kataria, 55, will remain with the company for six months to ensure a smooth leadership transition
- His next professional move remains undisclosed, though reports suggest he is exploring new global opportunities
Industry Impact
Kataria’s departure comes at a time when the footwear industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with shifting consumer preferences toward casual and athleisure styles, especially in key markets like India.
