Located in Amsterdam’s Schinkel District, Bata Works will bring together design and product development expertise across footwear, sneakers, ready-to-wear and bags. The centre will serve as a global creative hub, combining innovation, design and material development to strengthen the identity and international positioning of both brands.
The initiative forms part of Bata Group’s wider transformation under its Re-ignite strategy, which aims to accelerate international growth and reinforce the company’s global brands. According to CEO Panos Mytaros, the Amsterdam hub will work closely with regional teams to incorporate local consumer insights into global product development.
Bata has already launched a recruitment drive for the new centre. Vacancies include design directors for Bata and North Star, as well as designers and material designers.
The announcement follows the appointment of Noemi Elmaleh as President of Bata on 1 September 2026. Based in Amsterdam, she brings experience from international brands including Calvin Klein, Nike, Adidas and Foot Locker.
Bata Group, which has a history spanning more than 130 years, has not disclosed the planned investment or the number of employees expected to work at Bata Works.
