Domino’s Pizza boss Don Meij promotes sister Kerri Hayman to run Australia, New Zealand division

Domino’s Pizza has promoted the sister of group chief executive Don Meij to the top job at its Australia and New Zealand division. Currently the chief operating officer of Domino’s Australia and New Zealand, Kerri Hayman began her career with the pizza giant when she was just 15 years old, working with her brother, Mr Meij, then a store manager. She has spent almost 40 years with Domino’s and in 2023 moved back to Australia to take up her current role. Her experience includes operations manager for the UK-listed Domino’s and as an award-winning 14-store franchisee in the US. Domino’s on Friday announced it had promoted Ms Hayman as chief executive of Australia and New Zealand, effective immediately, making her the first female to be appointed in the role. The company said Ms Hayman was one of the world’s most experienced Domino’s executives. Under her leadership as COO, Domino’s in Australia and New Zealand had delivered the highest customer satisfaction and product quality stores in more than three years, with improved sales and profitability for franchise partners and corporate stores. The appointment will allow Mr Meij — who has been serving in dual roles as group and Australia/New Zealand CEO for the past year — to spend more time in Domino’s international markets like Japan and France, which have previously disappointed. In July, Domino’s announced it would close up to 110 “loss-making” stores across Japan and France in a bid to cut costs. The closures are expected to be completed in the first half of the 2025 financial year. The group’s aim to have 7100 stores by 2033 will not be achieved. While Domino’s in February reported first-half profit declined 9 per cent to $58 million, the Australia/New Zealand division delivered the strongest growth in six years. “When I returned to Australia, I was coming home in more ways than one; I grew up in this business and worked alongside so many team members who are now some of our most successful and longest-serving franchise partners,” Ms Hayman said. She added her past experiences had fostered enormous empathy for the rewards and challenges that were an essential part of the business. “I believe it has also helped me build credibility with our franchise partners, store managers and team members and now, in this more public facing role, I hope to build that same rapport with our customers, and our shareholders,” Ms Hayman said. “Over the past year our customers have told us our product quality and service has never been better. “But our team never rests and — with the new products we will be launching combined with an ongoing focus on product quality and value — I can’t wait to show what we can deliver.” Domino’s chair and Hungry Jack’s founder Jack Cowin said: “We are confident we have the right leadership for the future, and with Kerri’s appointment, the best person for the job.” “The board of directors are thrilled that Domino’s provides an unrivalled opportunity to help team members grow and prosper, whether it’s a part time job, as an award-winning franchise partner, an executive — or all three,” he said. Mr Cowin is a major shareholder with nearly a 26 per cent stake in Domino’s. Shares in Domino’s have slumped 32 per cent in the past year to $33.50. Domino’s will release its 2024 financial year results on August 21.