Domino’s is preparing for a major leadership transition.
The pizza giant announced Tuesday that CEO Russell Weiner plans to retire from the role on October 1, with current COO and president of Domino’s U.S. Joe Jordan succeeding him. Weiner will remain deeply involved with the business, transitioning to executive chairman following Domino’s 2027 annual shareholder meeting.
Weiner took over as CEO in 2022 after serving in a variety of leadership roles, including CMO. During his tenure, the company added more than 3,200 net stores globally, increased worldwide retail sales by nearly $3 billion, and grew operating income by almost 30 percent.
More importantly, Weiner helped solidify Domino’s position as the undisputed leader of the U.S. pizza category.
As CEO, he introduced the company’s “Hungry for MORE” strategy, a framework built around menu innovation, operational excellence, value, and franchisee profitability. The plan guided major initiatives including the launch of Parmesan Stuffed Crust, expanded loyalty offerings, third-party delivery partnerships, technology investments, and a brand refresh that represented Domino’s first major image update in more than a decade.
“We owe Russell a great debt of thanks for his leadership and many accomplishments and look forward to his continued involvement as Executive Chairman of the Board,” current executive chairman David Brandon said in a statement.
The strategy also helped widen the gap between Domino’s and its closest competitors.
Over the past 11 years, Domino’s has gained 11 points of pizza market share while opening more than 2,000 net new U.S. stores. During that same period, franchisee profitability increased by nearly $80,000 per restaurant. More recently, while rivals Pizza Hut and Papa Johns announced hundreds of store closures, Domino’s projected more than 175 net new domestic units this year.
Weiner repeatedly argued that Domino’s competitive advantage stemmed from what he called “profit power”—the ability to maintain compelling value offers while still growing franchisee profits. That philosophy has become important as competitors have launched aggressive discounting campaigns in response to consumer pressure from inflation and economic uncertainty.
His tenure was also marked by a significant strategic shift regarding third-party delivery. After years of resisting aggregators, Domino’s struck a landmark partnership with Uber Eats in 2023, opening the brand to a new customer base while maintaining delivery through Domino’s drivers. The company later expanded marketplace partnerships globally.
Under his leadership, the chain enhanced its ordering platforms, upgraded its app and loyalty ecosystem, invested in artificial intelligence and back-of-house technology, and strengthened its position as one of the restaurant industry’s most digitally advanced brands.
Jordan expects to build on many of the initiatives launched under Weiner.
He has spent nearly 15 years with Domino’s in leadership positions spanning marketing, operations, technology, international development, and franchisee support. During his time leading the international business, Domino’s opened more than 3,000 stores worldwide. Most recently, he oversaw several of the company’s highest-profile growth initiatives, including the relaunch of the loyalty program, upgrades to e-commerce platforms, and expansion of digital marketplace partnerships.
“Joe is a proven leader whose experience spans virtually every aspect of our business,” Brandon said. “After a thoughtful succession planning process, the Board unanimously concluded that Joe is the right leader to serve as Domino’s next CEO.”
Jordan said he plans to build on the momentum already in place.
“Domino’s is one of the most innovative and resilient global systems in the restaurant industry and I am excited to build that foundation as we focus on reaccelerating growth and continuing to deliver delicious pizza and exceptional value to customers worldwide,” he said in a statement.
According to a regulatory filing, he will receive an annual base salary of $925,000 when he becomes CEO on October 1, along with a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 200 percent of his salary under Domino’s senior executive incentive plan. Jordan will also remain eligible for annual equity awards and is set to receive a special restricted stock unit grant valued at approximately $3 million in connection with the promotion. The award will vest annually over five years, contingent on his continued employment with the company.
The leadership transition comes as Domino’s continues pursuing some of the most ambitious goals in the restaurant industry. The company believes it has a path to more than 8,500 restaurants in the U.S., over 40,000 internationally, and eventually $20 billion in domestic retail sales.
Brandon will also retire from the board of directors and as executive chairman. He’s served as chairman since 1999 and as executive chairman since 2022. He also served as CEO from 1999 to 2010, helping the chain go public in 2004, expand internationally, and introduce online ordering, the Domino’s Tracker, and mobile ordering.
“Dave’s impact on Domino’s cannot be overstated,” Weiner said in a statement. “He led the Company through its transformation from a domestic pizza chain to a global technology and delivery leader, championing the digital innovations that revolutionized how customers order pizza. Beyond his strategic vision, Dave has been an invaluable mentor to countless leaders across our system. His relentless focus on franchisee success and operational excellence has shaped the culture that drives Domino’s today, and his legacy will endure for generations to come.”
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