The Bata Group has officially announced the appointment of Panos Mytaros as its new Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 15, 2025. He will succeed Sandeep Kataria, who has led the company since 2020.
Leadership Transition After a Transformative Era
Under Sandeep Kataria’s leadership, Bata navigated a pivotal phase marked by the global pandemic and rapid shifts in the retail environment. Kataria played a crucial role in accelerating Bata’s digital transformation, enhancing operational efficiency, modernizing the company’s business approach, and driving international market expansion. His leadership has positioned Bata for sustained future growth.
The Bata Group has expressed its deep gratitude to Kataria for his exceptional leadership and the lasting impact he has made on the brand.
Panos Mytaros Brings Extensive Footwear Industry Expertise
Bringing more than 30 years of global leadership experience in the footwear and leather industry, Panos Mytaros joins Bata following a highly successful tenure at ECCO, where he held various senior leadership positions. Most notably, he served as CEO of ECCO from 2021 to 2024, where he was instrumental in brand growth, product innovation, and organizational transformation.
Graham Allan, Chairman of the Bata Group, commented, “Panos is a proven leader with deep industry expertise and a passion for footwear craftsmanship. His exceptional track record in building iconic brands, creating successful footwear collections, and leading complex international businesses makes him the perfect fit to steer Bata into its next chapter of growth. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Bata family.”
Bata’s Strategic Growth Focus
With Mytaros at the helm, Bata is set to continue its focus on brand innovation, operational excellence, and global expansion. His appointment signals the company’s commitment to further strengthening its market leadership and delivering enhanced customer experiences across regions.
As Bata moves into this exciting new phase, the company acknowledges Sandeep Kataria’s significant contributions and warmly welcomes Panos Mytaros to lead its next stage of evolution.
