Bata Appoints Former Ecco CEO as New Global Head

The Swiss-based footwear group Bata has announced the appointment of Panos Mytaros, former CEO of the Danish brand Ecco, as its new Chief Executive Officer. He will officially take on the role on September 15, succeeding Sandeep Kataria.

Kataria, who has led Bata since 2020 after succeeding Alexis Nasard, guided the company through a critical period marked by the global pandemic and rapid shifts in the retail landscape. According to Bata, under his leadership the company accelerated its digital transformation, streamlined operations, expanded into new markets, modernized its practices, and laid a strong foundation for future growth.

Mytaros brings over 30 years of experience in the footwear industry to his new role. Having spent 27 years with Ecco, he served as the company’s CEO between 2021 and 2024, gaining extensive expertise in international business management and product development.

Commenting on the appointment, Graham Allan, Chairman of the Bata Group, stated:

“His track record in brand building, creating compelling footwear collections, and leading complex global organizations makes him the ideal choice to guide Bata into its next phase of growth.”

With a 130-year legacy, Bata is recognized worldwide for its stylish yet affordable footwear. Today, it operates over 5,800 stores across 48 countries, continuing to serve as one of the most established and trusted names in global footwear.