After nearly 40 years with Domino’s and 22 as its CEO, Don Meij is stepping down, marking the end of an incredible era. Starting as a delivery driver in Redcliffe, Queensland, Don helped grow the company from a 387-store local chain to a global pizza giant with over 3,700 stores and $4 billion in annual sales.
What’s Next for Don?
Don isn’t disappearing entirely—he’ll work alongside the board and his successor, Mark van Dyck, for the next year to ensure a smooth transition. Reflecting on his time with Domino’s, Don called the experience “life-changing” and said the company is poised for even greater success under new leadership.
Meet the New Boss: Mark van Dyck
Taking the reins from 6 November 2024, Mark van Dyck brings an impressive resume:
- Former Regional Managing Director of Compass Group, overseeing 66,000 employees across 11 countries.
- A track record of doubling growth, increasing profitability, and transforming businesses in Australia, Japan, and beyond.
- Previous leadership roles at Coca-Cola, where he drove retailer transformation across Asia.
Mark has been advising Domino’s for the past year, so he’s already familiar with the business. Domino’s Chairman Jack Cowin praised Mark’s experience in global food service and his ability to deliver successful turnarounds, calling him the “ideal candidate” to guide Domino’s into its next chapter.
Trading Update: Mixed Bag for FY25
Domino’s also shared its trading update for the first 17 weeks of FY25, showing some bright spots but ongoing challenges in key markets:
- Group Same-Store Sales (SSS): Down 1.2%, cycling strong growth from last year (+2.7%).
- Australia: Continues to deliver solid growth, building on a strong FY24.
- Singapore & Taiwan: Two years of compounding sales growth for Singapore, while Taiwan has returned to growth.
- Benelux: Positive response to a new brand campaign.
- Germany: Sales remain down year-on-year but are improving after a tough August.
- France & Japan: Still struggling, with further work needed to turn things around.
A New Era for Domino’s
While Don’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, the board is confident that Mark van Dyck will lead Domino’s into a new era of growth. And with a mix of market challenges and opportunities ahead, Domino’s will be counting on its leadership team to navigate the road ahead.
