With effect from 15th September 2025, Panos Mytaros will take over as the Bata Group’s new global chief executive officer, replacing Sandeep Kataria, who has been in charge since 2020.
Sandeep has guided Bata through a major time of change, negotiating the difficulties of a worldwide pandemic and a rapidly changing retail environment. Bata pushed its digital agenda, streamlined operations, entered new markets, updated business procedures, and established the groundwork for future expansion under his direction.
Panos Mytaros has over 30 years of international leadership experience in the leather and footwear sector. He joins Bata after a stellar career at Ecco, where he served in a number of high-level roles, most notably as CEO from 2021 to 2024.
Graham Allan, Chairman of the Bata Group, stated, “Panos is a proven leader with deep industry knowledge and a passion for footwear craftsmanship. He was the best person to take Bata through our next stage of expansion because of his proven ability to create memorable footwear lines, build brands, and manage intricate global organisations. Panos is a great addition to the Bata Group.”
“Bata is one of the most iconic — and underrated — brands in the world,” Mytaros wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Each year, 140 million pairs of shoes are sold. With 5,800 outlets, 30,000+ employees, a presence in more than 50 countries, and more than 130 years of history, the company is known for producing high-quality shoes for daily use.”
“I’ve always respected and been aware of Bata. From 17 factories to a network of 5,800 stores, I now have a true understanding of its size and structure. I’m appreciative of Sandeep Kataria’s solid foundation and the Bata Board’s faith,” he added.
