Bata ropes in Sumit Kumar as marketing head

Kumar was heading marketing for UK-based apparel brand Marks & Spencer India.

Sumit Kumar, former marketing head of Marks & Spencer India, has joined Bata India as vice-president, marketing and customer services. In his new role, Kumar will lead growth and expansion of the brand in the country.

At Marks & Spencer, Kumar handled customer relationship management and customer insight unit, store environment, in-store communication and external communication and PR.

On joining Bata, Kumar says, "Bata is strongly poised to take the growth trajectory to the next level. The brand has strong understanding on consumer needs and is relentlessly focused on improving customer service and quality sales growth." Kumar adds that the brand's strategy and investment programme will continue to drive a cohesive and consistent marketing journey.

In his 16-year career, Kumar has worked in retail, food and hospitality sectors handling business strategies. An MBA degree holder, Kumar received the 'Star Youth Achievers Award' at Global Youth Marketing Forum for his work on youth marketing this year.

Bata India is one of the most well-known domestic retail footwear and accessories brands. Set up in 1932 at Konnagar near Kolkata, the company renamed itself Bata after going public in 1973. The footwear retail chain has presence in 500 cities and has more than 1,250 stores.