Domino’s CEO Andrew Gregory Takes Control of ANZ as Merrill Pereyra Exits

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Group CEO and Managing Director Andrew Gregory has taken direct control of the Australia and New Zealand business, effective immediately, to accelerate the company’s reset plan.

The move follows a mutual agreement for ANZ CEO Merrill Pereyra to leave the business after being appointed to the role earlier this year.

Pereyra, who holds more than 30 years of quick-service restaurant experience, led a phase focused on reducing costs, paying down debt, strengthening cash flow, and improving franchise partner returns while Domino’s searches for a successor.

Management shift at the regional unit

The sudden change puts group-level leadership back into direct line management over the home territory. Regional operations teams will report directly to Gregory while the board conducts an executive search.

Pereyra previously served as chief executive of Domino’s Pizza Indonesia and held regional leadership roles at McDonald’s across a 30-year industry career. His brief tenure running the Australia and New Zealand business focused on stabilizing unit economics after successive margin squeezes.

“The reset has established a stronger foundation for the business and remains on track,” chairman Jack Cowin said. “Australia/New Zealand is critical to the Group’s success, and the Board supports Andrew taking direct responsibility to increase the pace of execution while maintaining a clear focus on sustainable, profitable growth for franchise partners.”

Restructuring and franchisee economics

The company’s reset plan centers on four financial levers: cutting overhead costs, accelerating debt paydown, lifting free cash flow, and restoring store profitability. Ingredient inflation and higher labor costs strained store margins across Australia and New Zealand over recent trading periods.

Direct corporate intervention in divisional management signals that the board wants faster cost discipline. Franchisee relations remain the primary operational risk. Store owners need immediate relief on input costs and delivery margins to protect cash returns.

Quick service restaurant leadership

Gregory brings extensive quick-service restaurant experience to the operational post, including a previous stint as chief executive of McDonald’s Australia. That background gives group management deep familiarity with franchised supply chains, digital ordering platforms, and local store marketing.

Fast-food operators across the region face a more cautious consumer base cutting back on discretionary deliveries. Competitors have leaned heavily on price discounts and value bundles. This forces franchisors to balance transaction volume against franchisee gross margins.

Search for permanent leadership

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises confirmed the search for a dedicated regional chief executive is underway. The existing divisional leadership team will maintain daily field support and supply logistics during the transition.

Progress under Gregory will hinge on how quickly store profitability recovers before a new regional chief executive steps in.