ANN ARBOR, MICH. — J. Patrick Doyle, president and chief executive officer of Domino’s Pizza, has announced plans to depart the company after more than eight years at the helm. Succeeding him as c.e.o. is Richard Allison, currently president of Domino’s International. Russell Weiner, president of Domino’s USA, has been named to the newly created role of chief operating officer of Domino’s and president of the Americas. Both appointments take effect July 1.
“One of the great honors and opportunities of my professional life was being named c.e.o. of this incredible brand in early 2010,” Mr. Doyle said. “At that time, I set three goals for myself: I wanted us to become the No. 1 pizza company in the world; I wanted Domino’s to provide our franchisees with the best possible return on their investment by creating a dramatically better experience for our customers; and I wanted to have a leadership team in place that would be ready to create even better results into the future. I’m proud to say that we’ve accomplished all of those goals, and I will leave Domino’s knowing that it is in great hands.”
Mr. Allison joined Domino’s in 2011 as executive vice-president of International. Under his leadership, the company’s international division grew by more than 4,500 stores in more than 85 markets in six years. In his current role, he oversees more than 9,000 stores and all franchise relationships outside of the United States.
“Domino’s International has achieved 95 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth and accounts for more than one-half of the company’s global retail sales,” said David Brandon, chairman of Domino’s. “The board is confident Ritch is well-prepared to lead the company to the next level. And he could not have a more talented and capable leader than Russell Weiner to assume the critical new role of chief operating officer of Domino’s and president of the Americas.”
Mr. Weiner joined Domino’s in 2008 as chief marketing officer and played a key role in the company’s menu reinvention in the United States, leading to record-setting sales increases and the brand’s turnaround. He is credited for the creation of Domino’s “Pizza Theater” store design, the brand logo redesign and a number of product and technology innovation launches.
“As we continue to globalize our business, it is important that we create synergies and centers of excellence across the Domino’s system,” Mr. Brandon said. “In his role as c.o.o. of Domino’s, Russell will be leading this effort. As president of the Americas, he will oversee marketing, operations, store growth and development, franchise relationships, strategy and insights and e-commerce for Domino’s in the Americas — markets that account for 50% of Domino’s global retail sales.”
