Early Life

Donald Jeffrey Meij, born on December 27, 1968, in Rockhampton, Australia, spent his formative years in Papua New Guinea before moving to north Queensland and eventually settling in Brisbane. Raised in a family with two sisters, Meij attended Clontarf Beach State High School and later pursued a degree in education at Queensland University of Technology. However, his path took an unexpected turn when he began working as a pizza delivery driver at Silvio’s Dial-a-Pizza in Redcliffe in 1987.

Career Progression

Meij’s journey in the pizza industry began with a part-time job delivering pizzas while studying to become a high school teacher. Captivated by the business, he quickly ascended to the role of store manager in 1989. Over the next few years, he held various managerial positions, including Area and State Operations Manager, and ultimately became the Director of National Operations.

In 1993, Silvio’s Dial-a-Pizza acquired Domino’s in Australia, leading to Meij’s appointment as General Manager. In 1996, he became a franchisee, opening his first Domino’s store in Caboolture, Queensland. Alongside his then-wife Esme, he expanded their franchise to 17 stores, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2001, Meij sold his stores to Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd for a 12.5% equity stake and assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer. The following year, he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises became Australia’s first publicly listed pizza chain on the Australian Stock Exchange in May 2005.

Global Expansion

Under Meij’s direction, Domino’s has transformed into a major international enterprise, with over 3,800 outlets across 12 markets, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and several European countries. Notably, Domino’s operates as the largest franchise outside the United States, achieving impressive sales figures—seven pizzas sold every second and a net profit exceeding $150 million for the fiscal year 2020-21.

Meij has played a crucial role in expanding the company globally, with successful entries into markets like France, Belgium, and Germany, as well as establishing a presence in Asia, including Taiwan and Malaysia.

Commitment to Corporate Responsibility

In recent years, Meij has spearheaded initiatives aimed at making Domino’s a force for good. He has mobilized teams worldwide to enhance the company’s charitable projects and improve its environmental sustainability efforts. Meij believes in empowering every level of the business to act ethically and responsibly, embodying the motto: “do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.”

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Meij has received numerous accolades for his leadership and contributions to the industry, including:

• Pizza International Manager of the Year (1996)
• Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Channel 7 Business Person of the Year (2015)
• Ernst & Young Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2004, 2012)
• Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Domino’s worldwide network (2004)
• Top 10 Australian CEOs list (2013)
• Listed as No. 4 on Business Insider’s list of 100 Coolest People in Australian Tech (2016)

Personal Life

Don Meij is married to Jenny and resides in Brisbane, Queensland. His commitment to both his professional and personal life showcases his dedication to growth, innovation, and community impact. As he leads Domino’s into its next chapter, Meij remains focused on the company’s potential as not only a leading pizza franchise but also as a responsible and innovative corporate citizen.