Domino’s Australia/New Zealand boss Nick Knight is leaving the pizza firm after 20 years and Domino’s new CEO comes to the role with 30 years experience with the brand.

Domino’s veteran, multi-award winner and current franchisee, David Burness, steps into Knight’s shoes and will transition into the role over the next two weeks.

Burness started as a delivery driver for then Silvio’s Dial-A-Pizza in 1991 while studying at university, and when the Domino’s brand was acquired became a franchise consultant. He was chief operating officer for Domino’s Netherlands in between two spells building multi-unit franchise businesses.

Burness and his wife Melissa own seven stores on the Sunshine Coast.

The new role as CEO gives him a bigger platform to help build franchisee success.

He said “I am passionate about continuing to grow the sales, profitability and store footprints of our franchisees. I have seen and demonstrated the value of fortressing our territories, and Project Ignite will be the first important step I implement in building out our 1200 store target.

“For more than 25 years I have opened stores here and in opportunity markets, served as a franchisee and an international operations manager, delivered high quality meals and served local community groups.

“But more importantly, I’m proudest that I’ve mentored and supported at least 10 store managers who have ultimately become successful franchisees themselves – providing opportunities to young people who are looking for a part-time job, or even a career, motivates me every day.”

Nick Knight has led the Australian/New Zealand business since 2015.

He said “I’ve always considered myself a custodian of this brand, one whose job is to ultimately hand over this business in a stronger position to the next custodian.

“After two decades, I’m confident I’m doing that: with the strategy, the tools, and the team that will deliver on the next decade and beyond.”

Group CEO and managing director Don Meij paid tribute to Knight’s two decades of service to Domino’s, which started as a teenager in regional New South Wales.

“It is never easy to farewell a true Dominoid like Nick – but the measure of success of a leader is the team they inspire, and Nick has built a formidable team.”

The news of Knight’s departure comes as Domino’s Pizza Enterprises announces a restructure, giving a dual focus to its Asia-Pacific and European businesses.

This story originally appeared in our sister publication, Inside Franchise Business Executive.