Writer: Nowmi Islam
Dhaka, October 2025 — Bata Shoe Company (Bangladesh) Limited has announced the appointment of Faria Yasmin as its new Managing Director. She will be the first Bangladeshi woman and the first local national to lead the multinational footwear company in Bangladesh.
This appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the company’s leadership and revitalizing the Bata brand in the country. Faria Yasmin will officially assume her role on November 20, 2025, succeeding Debabrata Mukherjee, who is set to join another multinational company as Managing Director.
Background and Experience of Faria Yasmin
With over 23 years of leadership experience in brand marketing, portfolio management, and business operations across Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Faria brings a strong track record of strategic growth and brand management.
Before joining Bata, she served as Chief Business Officer at ACI PLC, and earlier held senior positions at Reckitt Benckiser, Marico, and Nestlé. Her proven expertise in driving brand performance and business expansion is expected to play a crucial role in steering Bata through its current market challenges.
Bata’s Recent Financial Performance
Bata’s recent financial report shows signs of strain. According to the company’s financial statement released on July 30, 2025, the brand incurred a loss of BDT 9.64 crore during the April–June quarter.
Earnings per share dropped to Tk 7.05 loss, compared to Tk 13.73 profit in the same period last year.
Revenue declined by 40%, reaching Tk 158 crore, while total income for the first six months of 2025 stood at Tk 514.66 crore, a 5% drop year-on-year. Net profit fell 27% to Tk 27.18 crore.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Importance
Faria’s appointment comes at a time when Bata is facing a challenging business environment. Under her leadership, the company is expected to focus on brand rejuvenation, strategic transformation, and market recovery.
Industry analysts believe her deep understanding of consumer behavior, marketing, and business strategy will help revitalize Bata’s market position and enhance brand relevance in the evolving retail landscape.
Bata’s Legacy and Presence in Bangladesh
Established in 1962, Bata Shoe Company has long been a leader in Bangladesh’s footwear industry. The company operates two manufacturing facilities in Tongi and Dhamrai, with a combined daily production capacity of up to 160,000 pairs.
Bata’s annual sales reach nearly three million pairs, supported by a strong retail and distribution network. The company’s parent organization, Bafin (Netherlands) B.V., holds 70% ownership, making Bata Bangladesh an integral part of its global operations.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Faria Yasmin as Managing Director, along with the company’s leadership restructuring, indicates Bata’s renewed focus on operational efficiency and brand competitiveness. The move is seen as a strategic effort to reorganize and strengthen the company’s business foundation amid market challenges.
Q&A
Q: Who is Faria Yasmin?
A: Faria Yasmin is the new Managing Director of Bata Shoe Company (Bangladesh) Limited — the first Bangladeshi woman to hold this position.
Q: When will her appointment take effect?
A: She will officially assume her duties on November 20, 2025.
Q: What is Bata’s current financial position?
A: In Q2 2025, Bata reported a loss of Tk 9.64 crore, with revenue declining by 40%.
Q: Why the leadership change?
A: It is part of Bata’s effort to strengthen leadership and revitalize its brand amid current business challenges.
Q: How is Bata positioned in the market?
A: Bata remains one of Bangladesh’s leading footwear manufacturers and retailers, though currently navigating a difficult financial period.
Q: What are Bata’s future plans?
A: Under new leadership, Bata aims to expand operations, reinvigorate the brand, and restore growth momentum.
Sources:
Bata Shoe Company (Bangladesh) Limited, The Business Standard, The Daily Corporate Business Desk.
 Limited has announced the appointment of Faria Yasmin as its new Managing Director. She will be the first Bangladeshi woman and the first local national to lead the multinational footwear company in Bangladesh.){kind=link}