From delivery driver to CEO: Don Meij ends his career with Dominos after more than 40 years
Domino’s CEO and Managing Director Don Meij is retiring after twenty years of making sure people are excited about what’s in the box with the dots.
The pizza chain announced his resignation on Tuesday after almost 40 years with the company, including 22 years as CEO.
Mr Meij will be succeeded by Mark van Dyck, former regional director of the foodservice multinational Compass Group in the Asia-Pacific region.
Domino’s Chairman Jack Cowin thanked the outgoing CEO, who will work with the board and Mr Van Dyck in the coming year.
“Under his leadership we have grown from a Brisbane-based company to a truly global company,” he said.
“(Don) leaves behind an impressive legacy.”
Mr Meij says the decision was not easy, but it was the right time for the company.
“Domino’s has really been my life,” he said.
“When I started out as a delivery driver in Redcliffe, Queensland, I never imagined I would become CEO of a truly global company with a turnover of over $4 billion.
Domino’s CEO Don Meijj is stepping down after nearly 40 years with the company. (Dan Peled/AAP PHOTOS)
“I leave knowing that the company is well positioned for an exciting new chapter.”
Domino’s had 387 stores and a turnover of $300 million when it listed on the ASX in 2005. It now has 3,700 stores and sales of about $4 billion.
The company also released a trading update for the first 17 weeks of its 2025 financial year, reporting same-store sales fell 1.2 percent, compared to 2.7 percent growth in the previous period.
Sales in Germany remain negative after the record sales of the previous year, but have improved since the August update. French and Japanese sales remain negative.
Mr Van Dyck will be paid $1.58 million for the role, including supervision and duties, subject to an annual review.
Domino’s Chairman Jack Cowin thanked the outgoing CEO, who will work with the board and Mr Van Dyck in the coming year
Financial analyst Phillip Kimber said the trading update is disappointing and noted earnings risks from the change in leadership.
Shares of Domino’s were down nearly seven percent just before noon on Tuesday, trading at $31.44.