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Highlights
- Leadership changes announced at Domino’s Japan operations
- Search underway for local CEO with turnaround expertise
- New group CFO to join from September 2025
Domino’s Pizza Enterprises (ASX:DMP), a prominent player in the quick-service restaurant sector and a constituent of the ASX200, has unveiled a strategic leadership reshuffle within its Japan business. The move is part of the company’s broader efforts to revitalise performance in one of its most challenging markets.
Effective immediately, Martin Steenks, who served as the CEO of Domino’s Japan, will transition into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). This shift comes as Steenks’ expatriate visa nears expiration within the next year. His continued presence in-market will focus on operational enhancements and franchisee support.
Taking over the interim CEO responsibilities will be Asia CEO Josh Kilimnik, while Domino’s embarks on a global recruitment drive for a permanent Japan-based CEO. The company has expressed a clear preference for a locally-based candidate with extensive experience in business turnarounds and operational leadership. The search process is anticipated to conclude within the next six months.
Domino’s reiterated that this change is integral to its strategy to improve its store-level execution and bolster franchisee performance in Japan. In February, the company announced the closure of 205 underperforming stores across its global network, including 172 in Japan, highlighting the pressing need for a stronger operational footing in that region.
The leadership announcement also includes a significant change at the group level. George Saoud, a former executive at Coles, Metcash, and Lendlease, will officially join Domino’s on 2 July and assume the role of Group Chief Financial Officer from September. This transition follows the planned retirement of long-standing CFO Richard Coney.
Group CEO and Managing Director Mark van Dyck highlighted the rationale behind the changes, stating the adjustments are about placing the right talent in the right positions to drive meaningful improvements. According to him, Steenks’ shift to COO will allow focused attention on operational refinements while the business secures a CEO with local insight and proven commercial success.
These strategic steps are aligned with Domino’s broader goal of enhancing shareholder value and long-term sustainability—characteristics that appeal to investors exploring ASX dividend stocks for consistent income and those tracking performance of ASX200 for growth opportunities.
As Domino’s reinforces its commitment to its Japanese operations, market watchers and investors alike will be paying close attention to how these leadership changes translate into operational gains and financial performance in the coming quarters.
