Leading by example
As well as being a global brand, we remain a private, family-owned business led by a passionate, multicultural leadership team.
Panos Mytaros
Chief Executive Officer
Panos Mytaros joined Bata Group as Global CEO on September 15, 2025.
He brings more than 30 years of experience in the global footwear and leather industry, most recently serving as CEO of ECCO, where he led the company through a period of modernization, digital growth, and international expansion.
Panos began his career in technical leather and R&D roles across Europe before joining ECCO in 1994. Over the years, he held key leadership roles in Indonesia and Denmark, eventually leading ECCO Leather and then rising to Executive Vice President of ECCO Sko A/S. His work has been instrumental in strengthening supply chains, expanding into new markets, and driving product innovation.
A graduate of the Tannery School in Reutlingen and the University of Tübingen, Panos also completed executive training in Denmark.
Known for his respect for craftsmanship and strategic vision, he now steps into the role at Bata to build on its heritage and lead the Group into its next phase of global growth.
He brings more than 30 years of experience in the global footwear and leather industry, most recently serving as CEO of ECCO, where he led the company through a period of modernization, digital growth, and international expansion.
Panos began his career in technical leather and R&D roles across Europe before joining ECCO in 1994. Over the years, he held key leadership roles in Indonesia and Denmark, eventually leading ECCO Leather and then rising to Executive Vice President of ECCO Sko A/S. His work has been instrumental in strengthening supply chains, expanding into new markets, and driving product innovation.
A graduate of the Tannery School in Reutlingen and the University of Tübingen, Panos also completed executive training in Denmark.
Known for his respect for craftsmanship and strategic vision, he now steps into the role at Bata to build on its heritage and lead the Group into its next phase of global growth.
Gerd Graehsler
Chief Financial Officer
Gerd leads the Global Finance and Accounting functions, overseeing financial management worldwide at Bata Group. He has a deep expertise in managing finances for fast-paced, publicly listed companies with strong family-owned shareholder structures.
With over two decades in the industry, he is a seasoned Executive leader in Finance, particularly in global product-centric and omnichannel companies.
Gerd holds a Master's degree in Controlling, Strategy, and Marketing from the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration, and a CEMS Master of Management. He has been a CFA charter holder since 2010.
With over two decades in the industry, he is a seasoned Executive leader in Finance, particularly in global product-centric and omnichannel companies.
Gerd holds a Master's degree in Controlling, Strategy, and Marketing from the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration, and a CEMS Master of Management. He has been a CFA charter holder since 2010.
Luc Valentin
Chief Human Capital Officer
Luc joined Bata in December 2018; he is responsible for leading Bata’s Global Human Resources agenda. His career spans over 21 years of experience in Human resources and Business positions in leading groups.
Prior, he was Chief Human Resources Officer at Douglas, the leading premium beauty group in Europe. Luc has covered a large range of leading roles in international Groups from various Industries such as Kering, Gap, L'Oréal, Natixis/CNP.
Broad HR Generalist with strong expertise in Talent Management, Performance Management, Compensation and benefits, Industrial relations and Organization Effectiveness. Highly business oriented with a successful track record.
Luc holds a double master of business and labour Law and is also graduated from INSEAD.
Prior, he was Chief Human Resources Officer at Douglas, the leading premium beauty group in Europe. Luc has covered a large range of leading roles in international Groups from various Industries such as Kering, Gap, L'Oréal, Natixis/CNP.
Broad HR Generalist with strong expertise in Talent Management, Performance Management, Compensation and benefits, Industrial relations and Organization Effectiveness. Highly business oriented with a successful track record.
Luc holds a double master of business and labour Law and is also graduated from INSEAD.
Barbara Franceschetto
Chief Product Officer
Barbara joined Bata 20 years ago and held several lead positions in Sales, Marketing and Product, spending long periods in different countries like Singapore, Chile and Perù, as Country Manager, before becoming Global Product Director.
With a love of shoes in her blood, Barbara’s drive and passion sees her managing a customer-oriented business to make Bata a top-of-mind shoe retailer.
With a love of shoes in her blood, Barbara’s drive and passion sees her managing a customer-oriented business to make Bata a top-of-mind shoe retailer.
Miguel Esquide
Chief Design Officer
Miguel Esquide took over the position of as Chief Design Officer at Bata.
Miguel’s experience, spanning two decades with renowned brands, will be central to shaping Bata’s creative direction and strengthening its brand identity.
Miguel’s career highlights include co-founding the luxury brand 1CONCEPT—known for its bold aesthetics featured in Vogue and celebrated by cultural icons like Miley Cyrus and Rosalía—as well as leading footwear design and strategy at INDITEX for major labels such as Lefties, Zara, and Pull&Bear. His ability to craft collections that resonate with consumers and deliver impactful campaigns aligns perfectly with Bata’s vision of making stylish, accessible footwear for everyone.
Miguel’s experience, spanning two decades with renowned brands, will be central to shaping Bata’s creative direction and strengthening its brand identity.
Miguel’s career highlights include co-founding the luxury brand 1CONCEPT—known for its bold aesthetics featured in Vogue and celebrated by cultural icons like Miley Cyrus and Rosalía—as well as leading footwear design and strategy at INDITEX for major labels such as Lefties, Zara, and Pull&Bear. His ability to craft collections that resonate with consumers and deliver impactful campaigns aligns perfectly with Bata’s vision of making stylish, accessible footwear for everyone.
Pietro Schira
Chief Brand Officer
Pietro leads our Marketing Function and is responsible for brand building, consumer marketing, retail marketing, consumer experience & relationship management for all our brands across channels.
He has over 25 years of experience as a Marketing Leader, having worked with renowned Global Sports & Fashion brands, overseeing Marketing functions across various categories and divisions.
Prior to joining Bata, Pietro served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Furla and previously held prominent global and regional roles at Puma, Nike & Calvin Klein in different Marketing and Product functions and geographies across Europe, Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific.
Pietro holds a degree in Business Administration and Marketing.
He has over 25 years of experience as a Marketing Leader, having worked with renowned Global Sports & Fashion brands, overseeing Marketing functions across various categories and divisions.
Prior to joining Bata, Pietro served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Furla and previously held prominent global and regional roles at Puma, Nike & Calvin Klein in different Marketing and Product functions and geographies across Europe, Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific.
Pietro holds a degree in Business Administration and Marketing.
Xiaohan Guo
Chief Legal Officer
Xiaohan leads our legal function and contribute to the achievement of our Business Strategy. With over 17 years of international experience in both in-house and private practice settings across various global locations, including Paris, Singapore, and London, Xiaohan is well-versed in navigating international and multicultural environments.
Prior to joining Bata, she held the position of VP and Assistant General Counsel at CWT, a business travel management company, where she has over the years led legal teams, and provided legal and compliance business partnership to global business functions such as Finance, Growth, Partnerships, Strategy and Corporate Development.
Xiaohan is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, and Singapore, and holds a degree of Laws from the National University of Singapore and a diploma on Financial Management from the London school of Business and Finance.
Prior to joining Bata, she held the position of VP and Assistant General Counsel at CWT, a business travel management company, where she has over the years led legal teams, and provided legal and compliance business partnership to global business functions such as Finance, Growth, Partnerships, Strategy and Corporate Development.
Xiaohan is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, and Singapore, and holds a degree of Laws from the National University of Singapore and a diploma on Financial Management from the London school of Business and Finance.
David Lynch
Chief Supply Chain Officer
David joined Bata as the Chief Supply Chain Officer in 2021 and is responsible for the Bata end-to-end Global Supply Chain Operations.
David joins us after a long career in various Supply Chain and Sourcing Leadership roles with international Footwear brands including Nike, Clarks, and Columbia Sportswear and others. Having lived and worked all over Asia David brings with him many years of international supply chain & manufacturing experience.
David holds a degree in Statistics and Chinese Language from the University of Minnesota with post graduate studies in the field of Biostatistics.
David joins us after a long career in various Supply Chain and Sourcing Leadership roles with international Footwear brands including Nike, Clarks, and Columbia Sportswear and others. Having lived and worked all over Asia David brings with him many years of international supply chain & manufacturing experience.
David holds a degree in Statistics and Chinese Language from the University of Minnesota with post graduate studies in the field of Biostatistics.
Marco Agnolin
President Europe
Based in Padova, Italy, Marco brings a wealth of expertise in fashion retail to his role.
With a remarkable career spanning decades, Marco has made significant contributions to the industry. He played a pivotal role in establishing Inditex in Italy, where he led the expansion of Zara stores from the ground up, eventually overseeing a network of 300 stores with impressive sales figures. Marco's visionary leadership extended to his tenure as Global CEO of Bershka, where he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, transforming the brand into a profitable cornerstone of the Inditex group.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Marco is also known for his entrepreneurial spirit.
He founded ABM (a better mistake), an acclaimed apparel and accessories brand with a presence in major fashion hubs such as Barcelona, Milan, and Berlin.
With his talent, experience, and innovative vision, Marco is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the Bata Group as he leads the Europe Region and contributes to the strategic direction of the Executive Committee.
With a remarkable career spanning decades, Marco has made significant contributions to the industry. He played a pivotal role in establishing Inditex in Italy, where he led the expansion of Zara stores from the ground up, eventually overseeing a network of 300 stores with impressive sales figures. Marco's visionary leadership extended to his tenure as Global CEO of Bershka, where he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, transforming the brand into a profitable cornerstone of the Inditex group.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Marco is also known for his entrepreneurial spirit.
He founded ABM (a better mistake), an acclaimed apparel and accessories brand with a presence in major fashion hubs such as Barcelona, Milan, and Berlin.
With his talent, experience, and innovative vision, Marco is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the Bata Group as he leads the Europe Region and contributes to the strategic direction of the Executive Committee.
Andrea Montagnoli
General manager AW LAB
Andrea, joined the Bata Group in 2017 starting as Head of Product & Merchandising AW LAB. He then took over the leadership of Bata Colombia in 2020. He ably led the team through the Covid crises to emerge with flying colours strengthening our retail, wholesale and FA2A business along with the manufacturing operations in Manizales.
Andrea has been promoted to AW LAB General Manager in 2024.
Andrea has been promoted to AW LAB General Manager in 2024.
Michael Wyatt
President of Bata Africa-Middle East
and Bata Industrials
Michael Wyatt is the President of Bata Africa-Middle East and Bata Industrials.
Since joining Bata in 2010, he has held leadership roles across three continents, including Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Country Manager for Central Europe, and Country Manager for South Africa.
Known for driving growth and innovation, Michael brings expertise in retail, manufacturing, marketing, and key account management.
Since joining Bata in 2010, he has held leadership roles across three continents, including Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Country Manager for Central Europe, and Country Manager for South Africa.
Known for driving growth and innovation, Michael brings expertise in retail, manufacturing, marketing, and key account management.
Gunjan Shah
President India
Gunjan joined Bata in July 2021 as President of Bata India. He has extensive experience of working across varied sectors spanning Consumer Durables, Telecom and FMCG.
He brings to the table an innate knack for understanding consumers, passion for action, people development experience and clarity of thought and purpose.
In his previous role, Gunjan was the Chief Commercial Officer at Britannia Industries. He spent the early stages of his career working with brands such as Asian Paints and Motorola before moving on to Britannia in 2007.
Gunjan holds a degree in Technology from the University of Mumbai.
He brings to the table an innate knack for understanding consumers, passion for action, people development experience and clarity of thought and purpose.
In his previous role, Gunjan was the Chief Commercial Officer at Britannia Industries. He spent the early stages of his career working with brands such as Asian Paints and Motorola before moving on to Britannia in 2007.
Gunjan holds a degree in Technology from the University of Mumbai.