Bata India has appointed Sanjay Rao as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a new leadership phase for the footwear retailer as it looks to drive its next stage of growth in the Indian market.

Rao took charge as Whole-time Director and CEO on August 24, 2026, and will formally assume the position of Managing Director on October 1. His MD appointment is for a five-year term through August 23, 2031.

He takes over from Gunjan Shah, who is exiting the role after completing his five-year tenure at the helm of Bata India.

Rao brings experience across international retail and fashion businesses. Prior to joining Bata India, he was Senior Director, Nike Retail for France and the Benelux region at Nike. His earlier stints include leadership roles at GUESS?, Inditex, The TJX Companies and Citi.

His association with the Indian retail market also includes a stint at Inditex, where he was involved in setting up Zara's operations in India through its joint venture with the Tata Group.

Rao holds an MBA from INSEAD in France and Singapore, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from TAPMI, India, and a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore.

Announcing his appointment in a LinkedIn post, Rao said, “Sharing with tremendous pride and pleasure that I’ve joined Bata India as CEO & Managing Director, after the exciting and sport-led years at Nike. Thank you Team Bata and partners for the warm welcome; and thanks Team Nike for the wonderful opportunities to lead & learn, and the cherished memories! The mission is simple yet challenging: One Bata X 1B+ Market X One Big Ambition – to put the consumers first.”

Rao's appointment comes as Bata India prepares for its next phase of growth, with his experience across global retail, fashion and footwear businesses expected to shape the company's strategy in the Indian market.