Sunshine Coast Domino’s franchisee David Burness promoted to Australia and NZ CEO

A Sunshine Coast Domino’s franchisee has earned a huge promotion leading the company’s Australian and New Zealand businesses.

From delivering pizzas in the early ’90s a Sunshine Coast dad has climbed the leadership ladder to pick up one of the top jobs.

David Burness was named Domino’s Australia and New Zealand CEO this week among a handful of leadership changes for the company.

Mr Burness started as a delivery driver for then Silvio’s Dial-A-Pizza in 1991 while studying at university before progressing to a franchise consultant when the Domino’s brand was acquired.

Mr Burness and his wife Melissa own seven Domino’s franchises, including at Maroochydore, Nambour and Noosa.

Domino's franchisees from the Sunshine Coast, David and Melissa Burness, pictured when they won Domino's Pizza Enterprise’s most prestigious award – the Global Leadership Eagle.

Their four children all work at the stores.

It was one of a range of leadership changes with the aim to lead the next phase of growth globally.

“For more than 25 years I have opened stores here and in opportunity markets, served as a franchisee and an international operations manager, delivered high-quality meals and served local community groups,” Mr Burness said.

“But more importantly, I’m proudest that I’ve mentored and supported at least 10 store managers who have ultimately became successful franchisees themselves – providing opportunities to young people who are looking for a part-time job, or even a career, motivates me everyday.”

Group CEO and managing director Don Meij said the changes would provide Domino’s with a platform to build a business more than double its size over the next decade.

The company had particular targets for Europe and the Asia-Pacific.