Bata Founder’s Day 2025 – moving forward together

Honouring our heritage

Founded by Tomas Bata in 1894 in Zlín, Czechoslovakia, Bata has always been more than a shoe company. Tomas Bata was an original thinker who transformed the industry by making quality footwear more accessible, pioneering new production methods, and creating better conditions for his workers.

His vision went far beyond shoes. In the late 1920s, he designed factory towns that gave workers not just jobs, but communities, with homes, schools, shops, childcare, and places to connect. By the mid-20th century, Bata’s network of towns and factories spanned Europe, India, Africa, and South America, a legacy of innovation and care for people that still inspires us today.

A day to celebrate our people

Founder’s Day is our chance to remember this journey, and celebrate the people who carry that vision forward. Today, Bata is made up of more than 32,000 people in over 56 countries, all working towards the same goal: creating quality products while giving back to the communities we’re part of.

Through the Bata Children’s Programme, we support children and families through education, health, mentorship, and sustainability projects in 21 countries. For the past two years, we’ve also partnered with SOS Children’s Villages, helping vulnerable children build safer, stronger futures. This commitment to care and community runs through everything we do, and Founder’s Day reminds us to put it into action.

Together, we make a difference

Founder’s Day is not only about looking back, it’s about looking ahead. It’s about celebrating the diversity and unity of our people and our promise to keep doing good, together.

From everyone at Bata, thank you for being part of this story with us. Whether you’re an employee, a customer, or a partner, your support helps us honour our past and build a brighter future, side by side, forward together.