Domino’s Pizza Enterprises CEO David Burness is shifting roles, and taking up the inaugural global culture coach position to focus on growing franchisee capability and entrepreneurial development.

Asia-Pacific CEO Josh Kilimnik will take on the ANZ CEO role, initially for 12 months, with the CEOs of Japan, Taiwan and the Asean markets continuing to report to him.

Group CEO and MD Don Meij said the inaugural global culture coach appointment reflects the role multi-unit franchisees will play in the growth of Domino’s across Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

“Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd intends to deliver significant growth over the next decade, with plans to operate more than 7250 stores by 2033, with an interim goal of five stores per franchisee,” Meij said.

“This requires sophisticated, engaged franchisees who can not only deliver the highest standards of operations but also can motivate and inspire their team members to build the strongest culture in our industry. David Burness has the demonstrated experience as a franchisee and executive to develop and
enhance this culture.”

Burness took on CEO role in 2021

Burness came into the CEO role just over 18 months ago after a 30-year career with Domino’s. He is one of the chain’s most awarded franchisees, and served in a leadership role in Domino’s Netherlands when it was acquired by DPE.

Meij said “Everyone who has worked with David over his three decades in this business knows of his passion for the Domino’s brand and the opportunities it creates for team members, managers and franchisees. A key part of his role will be developing this passion in our newly acquired markets, particularly where we intend to begin franchising for the first time.

“His appointment will leverage our investment in Path to Excellence, a training platform rolling out to all markets that will support a team member on their path from their very first shift, through to management and entrepreneurship.”

Burness said “I’m looking forward to helping our regional leadership unlock this talent and enthusiasm, including in markets where Domino’s managers will have the opportunity to become their own business owners for the first time.”

Return of veteran executive

The pizza business also welcomes the return of a Domino’s Pizza Enterprises veteran as ANZ chief operating officer.

Kerri Hayman has 35 years experience with the brand, starting her career working for her brother Don Meij, who was then a store manager.

Hayman’s Domino’s career includes operations director for Domino’s Pizza Group plc in the UK, and an award-winning, multi-unit franchisee in the US.

Hayman is selling her 14 US stores and will return to Australia, reporting to Kilimnik.

Meij and Hayman will work closely with Kilimnik as Domino’s integrates the company’s newest markets of Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia.

“We have a significant opportunity in these markets we will unlock by implementing our business model and proven strategies in these markets,” Kilimnik said.

“This will include the roll-out of our OneDigital online ordering system, which has helped boost sales in every market it has been introduced. With digital sales accounting for almost 80 per cent of total sales, this will be one of our highest priorities.

“We have the strategy, people, and tools at our disposal, and we intend to deliver.”

This story was originally published on Franchise Executives.