Teenage pizza maker to big cheese – Domino’s appoints first female ANZ CEO

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX:DMP) today announced the promotion of Kerri Hayman to Chief Executive Officer, ANZ, effective immediately.

Ms Hayman is one of the world’s most experienced Domino’s executives, with more than 36 years’ in the Domino’s brand.

Ms Hayman took up her current role of Chief Operating Officer ANZ in 2023, after 14 years working for the Domino’s brand internationally, including as the Operations Director for UK- listed Domino’s Pizza Group plc (LSE:DOM), and as an award-wining 14 store franchisee in the United States of America. She started her career as a 15-year-old, working as a pizza maker for her brother Don Meij (then a store manager).

Ms Hayman has been recognised as one of Domino’s International’s highest performing operations leaders, with awards including International Supervisor of the Year and Domino’s Woman of the Year, as well as a slew of other accolades including overseeing the international record for the most pizzas sold in a day.

Under Ms Hayman’s leadership as Chief Operating Officer ANZ, Domino’s has delivered the highest customer satisfaction scores and product quality scores (as rated by customers) in more than three years, with improved sales and profitability for franchise partners and corporate stores.

Ms Hayman is a member of Domino’s Pizza International’s Global Operations Council and has established a Global Operations Board for DMP, to share best practice between international markets.

In her current role she launched the Women in Domino’s grant, which will support seven young female store managers become franchise partners. The program is now being expanded to develop emerging leaders from store managers to entrepreneurs.

“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.

“My experience as a team member, in operations, and as multi-store owner, has fostered enormous empathy for the rewards and challenges that are an essential part of this 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.

“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 Chairman 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.”

Mr Meij has been serving in dual-roles of Group CEO and ANZ CEO for the past year. The appointment of Ms Hayman will allow Mr Meij to spend more time in Domino’s international markets as the Group CEO & Managing Director.

Amanda Harper