Latest news with #BataCorporation
Fashion Network
3 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Bata Global's CEO Sandeep Kataria steps down from role
Sandeep Kataria has stepped down from his role as global chief executive officer of Bata Corporation. The Swiss-headquartered footwear company is in the process of finalising a succession plan, with Kataria expected to stay on for the next six months to support a smooth transition. Kataria, who became the first Indian to lead Bata's global operations, is leaving to explore other professional opportunities, Indian Retailer Bureau reported. His next move has not yet been disclosed. The executive joined the business eight years ago and was initially appointed to lead Bata India. Under Kataria's leadership, the Indian market was repositioned as a key design and sourcing hub for the brand. He took over as global CEO in 2020 and has been credited with revitalising the company's brand image and retail strategy across multiple markets. Before Bata, Kataria held senior roles at Unilever, Yum Brands, and Vodafone across India and Europe. His cross-industry experience helped steer the company through changing consumer habits and post-pandemic recovery. Bata is expected to formally announce the leadership change this week. With over 130 years of brand history, Bata operates in more than 70 countries and manages a diversified portfolio through its Bata, Bata Industrials, and AW Lab business units.
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Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Sandeep Kataria, first Indian global CEO of Bata, steps down after 5 years
Sandeep Kataria, the global CEO of Bata Corporation and the first Indian to hold the position at the Swiss footwear giant, has resigned after a five-year tenure at the helm, The Economic Times reported on Monday. An official announcement is expected later this week, with succession planning already underway, the report added. Kataria, 55, is expected to remain with the company for the next six months to support the leadership transition. While details of his next professional move have not been disclosed, it is understood that he is departing to explore new opportunities. From India CEO to global head An alumnus of IIT-Delhi and XLRI Jamshedpur, Kataria joined Bata in 2017 and headed Bata India for three years before taking on the role of global CEO in 2020. During his tenure, he played a key role in modernising the company's 130-year-old brand, advancing digital transformation, and leading strategic shifts to ensure continued relevance in a changing retail and footwear landscape. Under his leadership, Bata refined its positioning across major markets in Asia, Africa and Europe. He also led the company's shift to a more agile global supply chain model, with India becoming a strategic hub for design, sourcing and manufacturing. Bata legacy and India growth Founded in 1894 in Zlín, in what is now the Czech Republic, Bata remains a family-owned global footwear business. In 2004, it consolidated its operations and moved its global headquarters to Lausanne, Switzerland. Today, the company sells around 150 million pairs of shoes annually under nearly 20 brands, including Bata, Power, North Star and Weinbrenner. Kataria's departure comes at a time when the footwear industry has been undergoing significant shifts. During his tenure, Bata had to respond to changing consumer preferences, with a noticeable move away from formal shoes toward casual and athleisure styles. These trends were especially pronounced in India, one of the company's largest international markets, where lifestyle changes and relaxed dress codes have reshaped demand. Bata India is the country's largest footwear company by revenue and volume. The company also experienced strong growth under Kataria's leadership. Between FY21 and FY25, revenue rose at a compound annual growth rate of 20 per cent, to ₹3,554 crore from ₹1,707 crore. The brand now sells around 50 million pairs annually through a network of over 1,960 stores across India. It operates four manufacturing facilities and is recognised as Asia's largest shoe producer. Bata India FY25 results Despite strong growth in recent years, FY25 delivered a mixed performance. Bata India reported a 46 per cent increase in full-year net profit to ₹330.66 crore, but annual revenue remained flat at ₹3,488.79 crore, reflecting broader demand headwinds. In the fourth quarter, net profit declined by nearly 28 per cent year-on-year to ₹45.92 crore, while revenue dropped by 1.2 per cent to ₹788.21 crore. Nevertheless, the company managed to grow volumes and improve key inventory metrics. Efforts around inventory management, merchandising and store rationalisation contributed to operational efficiencies. During the year, Bata India added 19 franchise stores focused on town and semi-urban expansion.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bata CEO Sandeep Kataria resigns after 5 years; succession plans underway
Sandeep Kataria, global CEO of Bata Corporation, has resigned. He was the first Indian to lead the footwear giant. Kataria will stay for six months to help with the transition. An official announcement is expected soon. Succession plans are currently in progress. This marks a significant change in leadership for the Switzerland-based company. Kataria's departure concludes his five-year tenure. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Bata Corporation global CEO Sandeep Kataria has resigned, five years after becoming the first Indian to head the Switzerland-based footwear major, people privy to the development told ET. An official announcement is expected this week with succession plans currently underway. 'Kataria will likely stay on for six months to support the leadership transition,' one of the sources on Kataria's next move are not known yet. People cited above said he is stepping down to pursue other professional opportunities. Bata did not respond to ET's request for comment until press time Sunday. Kataria also could not be immediately reached for comment. Kataria, 55, is exiting Bata after an eight-year tenure – three years as Bata India head before taking the top global role in his tenure, Bata underwent a transformation, modernising its brand identity, streamlining operations, and accelerating digital and design-led innovation. 'Under his direction, Bata sharpened its positioning in key markets across Asia, Africa, and Europe as part of its broader strategy to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive and digitally disrupted market,' one of the persons cited above was also a shift toward agile global supply chain models — with India emerging as a strategic hub for design and sourcing. Kataria, an engineer from IIT-Delhi and postgraduate from XLRI, worked with Unilever, Yum! Foods and Vodafone before joining Bata in 2017. Under his charge at Bata, the Indian business grew at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%, from Rs 1,707 crore in FY21 to Rs 3,554 crore in FY25.'Over the last couple of years, following the change in management (at Bata), a renewed focus on growth has been evident, characterised by a brand refresh, the introduction of new product lines, and enhancements in the backend supply chain infrastructure,' brokerage Motilal Oswal said in a recent report.'Despite muted demand, Bata is seeing early traction in the value segment. Strategic inventory cleanup, curated product refreshes, and franchise-led expansion are positioning the company for improved efficiency and gradual margin recovery, though nearterm pressures persist,' it said. Bata is India's biggest footwear firm by revenues as well as volumes, with annual turnover of Rs 3,554 crore, selling about 50 million pairs every year through more than 1,960 stores. The country is also expected to be Bata's second largest sourcing and design hub after Italy. Bata India , with four factories, is the largest shoe-producer in Asia. Founded in 1894 in what is now the Czech Republic, Bata is a family-owned business selling 150 million pairs of shoes of about 20 brands and labels including Bata, North Star and Power. With a population of 1.4 billion, India is among the fastest growing and largest international markets for footwear companies. In recent years, though, sports shoes companies have been growing faster than formal shoes – where Bata traditionally had a strong foothold with lower pricing – due to increased casualisation at workplaces. Bata India's sales growth was flat during FY25.
