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 take 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 and 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 prior roles include operations manager for the UK-listed Domino’s.

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 for Australia/New Zealand, Domino’s 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 new appointment means Mr Meij — who has been serving in dual roles as group and Australia/New Zealand CEO for the past year — can focus on 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 group’s aim to have 7100 stores by 2033 will not be achieved.

“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.

“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.”

Mr Cowin is a major shareholder with nearly a 26 per cent stake in Domino’s.

Shares in Domino’s have slumped 33 per cent in the past year to $33.12.

Domino’s will release its 2024 financial year results on August 21.