Don Meij, the long-standing CEO of Domino's Pizza Enterprises, is set to retire after 22 years at the helm. The ASX-listed company has appointed former Compass Group board executive, Mark van Dyck, as his successor, assuming the role of CEO and MD effective 6 November 2024.

Meij, who listed Domino's in 2005 with 387 stores and sales of $300m, leaves the company operating over 3,700 stores across 12 markets, with sales exceeding $4bn. It's been a near 40-year career with the company, 22 as CEO. He'll spend the next 12 months working with the new CEO on the transition.

Van Dyck previously served on the Executive Board of Compass Group, and was formerly MD of Asia-Pacific, overseeing 66,000 employees in 11 countries and responsible for serving more than 400 million meals annually. In total, the group has a market capitlisation of $79 billion and operates in 33 countries today.

His appointment, after 12 months of advising the board, comes as Domino's released a FY25 trading update for the first 17 weeks of trade, reporting a Group SSS at -1.2%. Notably, Australia has positively compounded against last year’s strong sales.

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Don and acknowledge his exceptional leadership and achievements. Under his leadership Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd grew from a Brisbane-based company to a truly global business - the market-leader in each of the markets the Company has operated for more than three years in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Don has done an exceptional job of delivering positive outcomes for all our stakeholders, including franchise partners, shareholders and employees. He leaves an impressive legacy," said Jack Cowin, Chairman of Domino's Board.

Reflecting on his tenure, Meij said, "It has been an incredible honour to be part of this company for the past 37 years and especially the past 22 years as CEO. Domino’s really has been my life. When I started as a delivery driver in Redcliffe, Queensland, I never imagined I’d become CEO of a truly global company with more than $4 billion in sales. I would like to thank the board and shareholders for their support over the past two decades. I’ve had the privilege of working with extraordinary teams, franchise partners and customers. Many of the incredible people I have worked with have gone from team members to franchise partners or executives around the world. I leave knowing that the business is well-positioned for an exciting new chapter.

"While this decision was not easy, it’s the right time for me to step back and for new leadership to guide the next era of growth. I’ll always be proud of what we achieved together and proud I have had the opportunity to serve: it has been a life changing experience for me."

Van Dyck's total remuneration package is lower than that of the prior CEO & Managing Director, with a total fixed remuneration of $1.585m per annum.

During his time at Compass, van Dyck doubled underlying growth and significantly increased profitability. He also restructured and accelerated growth and profitability of the Japanese business, and completed a strategic reset of the Australian business, making it one of the most profitable markets Globally for Compass.

Prior to Compass, van Dyck spent 14 years in executive positions at The Coca Cola Company including Asia Group Director Customer Leadership, where he led transformation of relationships and business outcomes with retailers across the region. Previously, van Dyck was Managing Director of both the Australian and Irish businesses for The Coca-Cola Company. He's also Chairman of the Food and Agriculture Taskforce and was Chairman of the Australian Government-sponsored Asia Taskforce (incorporating the Business Council of Australia and Asia Society).

Cowin expressed confidence in the new appointment, stating, "Mark has been an advisor to the Board for the past 12 months, so it was natural we would consider him in the search process. His extensive experience in global food service, combined with a track record of successful transformations makes him the ideal candidate."