Bata India taps ex-Nike, Zara-launch veteran Sanjay Rao as MD & CEO

Bata India has named Sanjay Rao as Managing Director and CEO, succeeding Gunjan Shah after a five-year run. Rao arrives from Nike Retail's France/Benelux business and previously played a key role in launching Zara in India through Inditex's joint venture with the Tata Group, signalling a sharper global-retail playbook for Bata.

— Filed Thu, 18 Jun, 2026, 14:56 IST · Source Business Standard · Companies · Updated

Bata India appointed Sanjay Rao as MD & CEO, succeeding Gunjan Shah after his five-year tenure. Rao joins from Nike Retail (France/Benelux) and previously helped launch Zara in India via Inditex's Tata JV.

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