From pizza ‘favour’ to running a ‘pizza’ the business: Kerri Hayman commences as Domino’s ANZ Chief Operating Officer
Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (DPE) is thrilled to welcome one of the brand’s trailblazing Australian pioneers and most experienced operations leaders back into the fold.
Kerri Hayman officially commenced in the role of Chief Operating Officer for Domino’s Australia and New Zealand today, as previously announced in May 2023.
Ms Hayman will oversee operations in almost 900 Franchised and Corporate stores across the two markets, which employ more than 25,000 team members.
With 35 years of hands-on experience, Ms Hayman most recently owned and operated 14 Domino’s stores in South Carolina and Georgia in the USA for nearly a decade.
Prior to that she was Operations Director for Domino’s Pizza Group plc in the UK.
However, it was in her home country of Australia where it all began – agreeing at age 15 to make pizzas as a ‘favour’ to her older brother, the future DPE Group CEO and Managing Director Don Meij. Mr Meij was then a Store Manager at Silvio’s Pizza in Redcliffe, Queensland.
“Don needed staff and the plan was to only work for him for a few months to help him out, but I ended up quitting my other job at a bakery and staying on,” Ms Hayman said.
Won over by the fun, fast-paced environment and exciting career opportunities, Ms Hayman would rise quickly in Silvio’s (later to become Domino’s) and play a key role in the pizza giant’s Australian success story.
At just 21-years-old she became one of the youngest ever franchisee consultants for Silvio’s, and in year the first female member of the Domino’s ANZ Leadership Team.
She has proudly worn the Domino’s uniform in all areas of operations, including Delivery Expert, Store Manager, Franchisee Partner, Area and State Manager, Corporate Operations Manager and Director.
Her strong initiative and commitment to developing high-performing teams has seen her recognised with more than 30 awards, including five prestigious Domino’s Leadership Eagle Awards.
Ms Hayman said returning to Australia felt like a family reunion in more ways than one.
“I grew up in this business and worked alongside so many team members who are now among our most successful and longest serving franchisee partners,” Ms Hayman said.
“Understanding where we’ve come from, and the extraordinary potential of where Domino’s can take you, will be a real advantage in supporting our next generation of store owners.
“I can’t wait to jump back in and feel very privileged to be part of this next chapter in DPE’s journey.”
