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Corporate Update

Bata India Appoints Sanjay Rao as MD & CEO to Drive Next Growth Phase

• By  Textile Excellence
• June 18, 2026

Bata India has appointed Sanjay Rao as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, bringing a globally experienced retail leader to steer the iconic footwear company through its next phase of expansion and consumer engagement. The appointment comes at a crucial time when India's footwear and lifestyle market continues to witness robust growth driven by rising disposable incomes, premiumisation and omnichannel retail adoption.

Rao joins Bata after serving as Senior Director at Nike, where he led retail operations across France and the Benelux region. His international career spans leadership roles across India, South Asia, China and Europe. Industry observers also credit him with playing a key role in establishing ZARA's India presence during his tenure at Inditex in partnership with Tata Group. He later served as Country Director for Guess? in France.

India's footwear market is projected to surpass US$ 30 billion by 2030, supported by strong demand across athletic, casual and fashion categories. Analysts expect Rao's expertise in retail transformation, brand building and consumer centric growth to strengthen Bata India's market leadership and accelerate its premiumisation strategy.

India's footwear market is projected to surpass US$ 30 billion by 2030, supported by strong demand across athletic, casual and fashion categories. Analysts expect Rao's expertise in retail transformation, brand building and consumer centric growth to strengthen Bata India's market leadership and accelerate its premiumisation strategy.