Bata India taps Nike-Zara veteran Sanjay Rao as CEO amid flat sales, 59% profit slump

Sanjay Rao succeeds Gunjan Shah as Bata India CEO, inheriting flat FY26 revenue of ₹3,515 crore and a 59.4% profit drop to ₹134.2 crore. The mandate: premiumise and chase athleisure appeal without alienating the mass-market base across 2,150 stores.

— Filed Tue, 30 Jun, 2026, 20:03 IST · Source Mint · Updated

Bata India appoints Nike/Zara veteran Sanjay Rao as CEO, succeeding Gunjan Shah, amid flat FY26 revenue and a 59.4% profit drop. He must drive premiumisation and athleisure appeal without alienating Bata's mass-market base.