Bata Pakistan Limited, a cornerstone of the country’s retail and footwear industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ahsan Umar as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective January 2026. This leadership transition marks an important milestone for the company as it advances its digital transformation agenda and strengthens its customer-centric growth strategy.
Ahsan Umar succeeds Muhammad Imran Malik, who retires after an outstanding 35-year career with Bata, defined by sustained growth, operational excellence, and enduring contributions to the organization. Stepping into the role, Ahsan brings over two decades of high-impact experience across the retail, textile, and consumer goods sectors, and is widely regarded as a transformational leader with a strong strategic and execution-focused mindset.
A Legacy of Milestones and Excellence
A scholar and a practitioner, Mr. Umar’s career is defined by a consistent track record of turning around organizations and scaling retail networks. His professional journey includes several landmark achievements:
• Retail Transformation at Bata: Prior to his appointment as CEO, he served as Commercial Director at Bata Pakistan, where he was instrumental in modernizing merchandising practices and driving growth across retail, franchise, and e-commerce channels.
• Industrial Innovation at Masood Textile Mills: As Director of Operations, he led the digital transformation of conventional manufacturing setups into sustainable, high-end fashion units for global brands.
• Exponential Growth at Service Sales Corporation: During his tenure as Country Head of Retail, he achieved a remarkable 16% CAGR over four years, overseeing the addition of 150 new stores and the renovation of 200 others.
• Operational Precision at Metro Cash & Carry: He managed nationwide operations for 10 Metro stores, achieving 40% sales growth over three years while optimizing supply chains to near-zero stock shortages.
A Visionary Mindset
Beyond the boardroom, Ahsan Umar is recognized for his academic excellence, having earned multiple gold medals from prestigious institutions, including LUMS and the University of the Punjab. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s leadership program. Deeply committed to contributing to community and talent development, Ahsan is closely associated with the Suleman Dawood School of Business (LUMS), where he actively mentors and engages with the next generation of Pakistani business leaders.
“Ahsan is not just a manager of operations; he is a leader of people,” noted a former colleague. “His ability to align competitive strategy with sustainable practices makes him the ideal visionary to lead Bata into its next era.”
As CEO, Mr. Umar is expected to focus on enhancing the brand’s footprint through innovative retail experiences and a deepened commitment to sustainability, ensuring Bata remains the preferred footwear choice for millions of Pakistanis.
