Domino’s Pizza Enterprises appoints new ANZ CEO and boosts executive team

Domino's Pizza Enterprises appoints new ANZ CEO and boosts executive team

Domino's Pizza Enterprises names a new Australia and New Zealand CEO and expands its CFO's role to drive its turnaround strategy.

Laura Stewart

Author bio Laura Stewart is a Finance Editor at The Motley Fool, where she covers Australian and international equity markets. She joined the company in 2022, following a career transition from legal advisory work in Southeast Asia into the investment industry. Prior to her current editorial role, Laura spent three years as an Equity Analyst and Writer, producing investment research across the ASX, NYSE, and NASDAQ. Her coverage included small-cap growth companies, thematic investment ideas, and high-quality U.S.-listed businesses. Laura holds a Master of Applied Finance and brings additional expertise in accounting, taxation, and estate and wealth planning from her postgraduate studies. She also has a background in law and communications, which supports her analytical and reporting work in financial markets. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the Adelaide Hills with her flock of sheep. Education Laura holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism), and a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Accounting and Corporate Finance. In 2025, she completed a Master of Applied Finance at the University of Adelaide, receiving postgraduate awards in Accounting Concepts & Methods, Ethical Principles in Accounting & Finance, Real Estate Valuation & Investment, and Tax, Estate & Wealth Planning. Social media LinkedIn FYI – I am taking a break from social media at the moment, so this account isn’t active at the moment, but I will let you know when I rejoin. Favorite investment quote "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it... he who doesn't... pays it." — Albert Einstein

Published January 12, 12:23 pm AEDT

Today, Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) announced two major leadership changes. Specifically, a new CEO for Australia and New Zealand and expanded responsibilities for its Group CFO.

Young couple having pizza on lunch break at workplace. — Image source: Getty Images

What did Domino's Pizza Enterprises report?

Merrill Pereyra appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Australia and New Zealand, effective 23 January 2026
George Saoud now serves as both Group Chief Financial Officer and Group Chief Operating Officer
Saoud's remit expands to include Technology and Procurement & Supply Chain
Permanent Group CEO search is ongoing, with updates to be provided in due course

What else do investors need to know?

Domino's says Merrill Pereyra brings over 30 years of experience in the quick service restaurant sector, including leadership roles at McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Domino's Indonesia. The company credits Pereyra with delivering positive same store sales and improved unit economics during his tenure at QSR Brands and Pizza Hut India.

Meanwhile, George Saoud's new combined role aims to drive sustainable growth across global operations, signalling Domino's focus on disciplined execution and operational excellence. The appointments underscore the board's commitment to accelerating turnaround priorities and strengthening leadership across key markets.

What did Domino's Pizza Enterprises management say?

Executive Chairman Jack Cowin said:

We are delighted to appoint an experienced industry executive of Merrill's calibre to the key ANZ market for our company.

Merrill has a track record of building franchise relationships, growing same store sales and unit economics to return to network expansion – the board is confident he will work closely with our franchise partners to improve our business performance.

What's next for Domino's Pizza Enterprises?

The company says the board is making steady progress in its search for a permanent Group Chief Executive Officer, with further updates promised in due course. With its refreshed leadership, Domino's aims to lift performance across its network and drive disciplined growth, especially in its Australia and New Zealand operations.

Investors will be watching how the new executives shape Domino's strategy, operational discipline, and growth ambitions in the months ahead.

Domino's Pizza Enterprises share price snapshot

Over the past twelve months, the Domino's Pizza Enterprises shares have declined 16%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

Automatic Renewal

By taking up this offer, you will also be enrolled in our auto-renewal program, which is our way of making your ongoing subscription easier by ensuring uninterrupted service. Don't worry, though – you're not locked in, and can cancel your auto-renewal at any time before each 'anniversary' date without question or penalty.