Mon 27th Mar 2023 - German Doner Kebab brings in two Domino’s executives as it reshapes leadership team German Doner Kebab brings in two Domino’s executives as it reshapes leadership team: German Doner Kebab (GDK), owned by Hero Brands, has appointed two executives from Domino’s as it forges ahead with its expansion plans. Simon Wallis joins as chief executive after 13 years at Domino’s Pizza Group, where he most recently held the position of chief transformation officer. Robin Caley, following eight years at Domino’s Pizza Group where he was the chief executive of both Germany and Norway and group business development director, takes on the role of chief development officer. Wallis succeeds current GDK chief executive Imran Sayeed, who has been promoted to the position of group chief executive at Hero Brands’ food and beverage division, which also includes Choppaluna, Island Poké, Dirty Bones, and “Sides”, a concept jointly developed with YouTube superstars, the Sidemen. Athif Sarwar, Hero Brands’ founder and chairman, said: “We are pleased to be bringing in both Simon and Robin at such an exciting phase of the GDK journey. The next 12 months are going to be even bigger as we continue on our path of rapid development throughout the UK and international growth regions.” At Domino’s, Wallis drove the digitisation of the business with the launch of the brand’s first mobile ordering app worldwide and introduced innovation such as its stuffed crust pizza. At GDK, he will “provide a relentless focus on consistent execution of product quality, increasing the awareness of GDK’s distinctive brand identity, and enhancing collaboration with franchise partners to optimise franchisee profitability”. Caley was part of the same team that shaped Domino’s dominance in the UK, having opened more than 350 stores and significantly improving franchise relations for the group. Sayeed, who joined GDK in 2016 following a proven track record at Yum! Brands international, has himself been recognised by Sarwar with his recent promotion. Sarwar said: “Imran led GDK as it evolved into the UK’s fastest-growing restaurant chain. Under his leadership, the brand has celebrated numerous successes and milestones, including the 100-restaurant landmark in the UK in 2022 as well as a global expansion that delivered double-digit year-on-year sales growth. His leadership throughout the pandemic saw us maintain our high-growth trajectory during a challenging time and he leaves a true legacy as we respond to huge consumer demand throughout the globe”, he continues. “Imran will now be joining me at Hero Brands. His knowledge of the industry and energy will be critical to the success of expanding our presence in UK and international markets in building our brands of the future and developing new leaders within the group.” GDK has more than 120 sites in the UK and is also expanding in the US and Canada. GDK features in the Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, which is an exhaustive guide to the companies offering a food and beverage franchise in the UK and is available exclusively to Premium subscribers. The database is updated every two months and the latest edition features 185 companies. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £895 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £445 plus VAT for operators and £545 plus VAT for suppliers. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.