Domino’s Australia boss abruptly resigns after nine months

Struggling pizza giant Domino’s is on the hunt for a new chief executive of its Australia business after the resignation of Kerri Hayman, sister of former CEO Don Meij, who has been in the role for little more than half a year.

Hayman was announced as Domino’s Australia’s new chief executive in August last year, when she told this masthead that improving the pizza business from the inside out would be her legacy. She joined the pizza business in 1988 alongside her brother, Meij, who would go on to become global CEO.

In a statement to the ASX, Hayman said she had served Domino’s for 37 years across Australia, Britain and the United States, which has given her some of the most rewarding experiences of her life.

“This is the right time for me to take the next step in my journey,” she said.

“Domino’s is now entering a new chapter, with a clear ‘Recipe for Growth’ in place for Australia and New Zealand. With the business well positioned for the future, I feel confident this is the right time for me to open a new chapter of my own.”

The abrupt departure marks further leadership turmoil for the pizza company. Longstanding former CEO Don Meij held the role of group chief executive for 22 years, including CEO of the Australia business, before handing over those reins to his sister to focus on international markets, where low-cost pizzas have been failing to take off with some Asian and European customers.

Meij, who stepped down in November, was replaced by board adviser and former Coca-Cola executive Mark van Dyck, whose first move as chief executive was to shut 200 underperforming stores – 172 in Japan, some in Europe and four in Australasia.

Van Dyck thanked Hayman for her service and wished her success on her next steps. “Since her return to Australia, she has helped make Domino’s a stronger, more resilient business, drawing on her global experience and unwavering commitment to operational excellence.”