Domino’s Pizza ANZ has named Merrill Pereyra as its new CEO, effective January 23, while George Saoud will be appointed COO and Group CFO.

With more than 30 years of experience in the quick-service restaurant industry, Pereyra has held several regional leadership positions at McDonald’s, and at Domino’s Pizza Indonesia, where he was CEO. 

He joined QSR Brands, a part of Yum! Brands franchisee for KFC and Pizza Hut as executive director and CEO. In 2019, as MD of Pizza Hut India, Pereyra led a sales turnaround. 

“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,” said Jack Cowin, Domino Pizza’s executive chairman.

As well as becoming group CFO on July 1, Saoud will take on the additional responsibility of group COO, effective immediately. He will support the company in driving stable growth through disciplined execution, while managing operational performance and costs across the group’s global operations.

Pereyra’s appointment follows the previous group CEO’s exit after seven months.