Sandeep Kataria, the global CEO of Switzerland‑based Bata Corporation, has resigned after nearly five years in the top role, as per media reports. Sources have told IMAGES Business of Fashion that Bata is expected to announce an official successor this week.
Kataria was first appointed as the CEO of Bata India and later became the first Indian to hold the global CEO position of the swiss-based footwear brand in 2020. He will reportedly remain at the helm for the next six months to ensure a smooth transition before officially stepping down.
WATCH VIDEO: India Fashion Forum – Sandeep Kataria SOLOx
Before becoming the face of Bata, Kataria was already walking some pretty interesting roads:
- Unilever — where he sold diapers, toothpaste and personal care products for 17+ years, climbing through sales, marketing, and global roles.
- Yum! Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut) — where he shifted from FMCG to fast food, marketing Colonel Sanders and deep-dish pizzas.
- Vodafone India — where he jumped industries again, this time selling data packs, mobile connections, and “SuperNets.”
In August 2017, Sandeep took charge of Bata India — and turned its slow, steady walk into a power stride:
- Revenue grew from Rs 2,636 cr to Rs 3,053 cr in 3 years
- Net profit jumped 46% to Rs 327 cr
- Footwear volume grew consistently in double digits
He introduced campaigns like “Surprisingly Bata” that dusted off Bata’s old-school image and made it aspirational for millennials and tweens.
Memory foam insoles, store redesigns, home delivery, e-commerce, even pedicure chairs — he made buying shoes cool again.
At age 55, Kataria departs from Bata to pursue new professional opportunities.
