Bata names Sandeep Kataria as its global CEO — the first Indian to lead the 126-year old footwear giant worldwide

• Sandeep Kataria has been appointed as the global CEO of the footwear company Bata.
• Kataria is taking over for Alexis Nasard, who led the company for almost five years now.
• Kataria had joined Bata as its India CEO in 2017 after having already worked for Unilever, Yum Brands, and Vodafone.
  

International footwear company Bata Brands has elevated Sandeep Kataria to the post of global CEO. Kataria is the first Indian to hold this prestigious role and will be taking over Alexis Nasard, who has been leading the 126-year old company for almost five years now.

A veteran in the consumer industry
Kataria had joined Bata as its India CEO in 2017, but he comes with a stellar track record in the consumer industry. Before joining Bata, Kataria worked with Unilever, Yum Brands, and Vodafone.

During his tenure as Bata India's CEO, Kataria has doubled its profits with a double-digit topline growth while also transforming the brand's image into something more contemporary.

"I have been privileged to be part of Bata's success in India, and I look forward to building further on our proud, 120-year history as shoemakers to the world. While 2020 has presented unique challenges, the appeal of our brands and the passion of our people provide every reason for confidence regarding our prospects in the years ahead," Kataria said in a statement about his appointment.

Kataria's big task during the pandemic — driving Bata's online presence
Bata saw a new challenge during the global coronavirus lockdown as it had to set the foundation for a new, online retail wave. After having a presence in India for over 89 years, the company had already been ramping up its online presence through e-commerce. Now, it's even taking orders on WhatsApp.

The gradual shift to online helped the footwear retail giant steady its revenue, even while many physical stores continued to stay shut during the July- September quarter. The company's losses too improved from ₹101.1 crore in the first quarter of FY21 to ₹44.4 crore in the second quarter.

"We focused on scaling up our presence in online marketplaces with an expanded range, scaling our own channel bata.in and our new digital channels such as 'Bata ChatShop,' 'Bata Home Delivery' & 'Bata Store-on-Wheels' mobile kiosk to reach out to a wider customer base," Kataria had said during the second-quarter results of the company.

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