Rao holds an MBA from INSEAD | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Footwear major Bata India Ltd on Thursday announced the appointment of Sanjay Rao as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bata India. He succeeds Gunjan Shah, who will conclude his tenure upon completion of his five-year mandate leading the business. This development comes at a time when Bata is looking to fuel its next phase of growth in the country, which it considers as one of its key markets.

Rao joins Bata India from Nike, where he most recently served as Senior Director, Nike Retail, overseeing the France and Benelux markets. He has more than two decades of retail and consumer leadership experience across India, South Asia, China and Europe

Prior to Nike, he spent several years with Inditex, where he played a pivotal role in establishing Zara’s business in India through its joint venture with the Tata Group. He has also served as Country Director for Guess in France and holds an MBA from INSEAD.

Panos Mytaros, Chief Executive Officer of Bata Group, said: “India is one of Bata Group’s most important markets and one of our biggest long-term growth opportunities. Bata India has a powerful brand, deep consumer trust, strong foundations and significant room to grow. The next chapter must be about becoming even closer to consumers, strengthening our relevance, responding faster to trends and giving consumers the shoes they want for every part of their lives.”

“I would like to thank Gunjan for his leadership and contribution over the past five years. He has helped strengthen the business and build a solid foundation for the future. Sanjay brings deep retail and consumer experience, international perspective and a strong understanding of the Indian market. He knows how to build businesses, develop teams and create momentum. I am excited to welcome him to Bata and confident he is the right leader to take Bata India forward into its next phase of accelerated growth,” Mytrao added.

In a BSE filing, the company announced the appointment of Rao as the Chief Executive Officer effective August 24, and designated as Whole-time Director and CEO. “The company’s board has approved the appointment of Sanjay S Rao as the Managing Director, from October 1, 2026 to August 23, 2031, subject to applicable regulatory and shareholders’ approvals and designated as Managing Director and CEO, effective October 1, 2026,” the filing added.

Published on June 18, 2026