The world’s largest pizza franchise brand is entering a new leadership chapter. Domino’s Pizza (Nasdaq: DPZ) announced on June 22 that CEO Russell Weiner will retire, with current COO and President Joe Jordan set to take over on October 1, 2026. The chain operates more than 22,300 restaurants in over 90 markets worldwide.
Domino’s reported global retail sales of more than $20.4 billion in the four quarters ending March 22, 2026. Its network is built almost entirely on franchising: 99% of locations are independently owned and operated, making leadership continuity a matter of direct significance for thousands of franchisees across the globe. The announcement caps a tenure under Weiner that saw the chain grow by more than 3,200 net new locations and add close to $3 billion in global retail sales, alongside a nearly 30% increase in operating income.
A Succession Plan Years in the Making
Domino’s Board described the transition as the outcome of a multi-year planning process. Executive Chairman David Brandon, who has held board roles with the company since 1999, said the selection was unanimous. “After a thoughtful succession planning process, the Board unanimously concluded that Joe is the right leader to serve as Domino’s next CEO,” noted David Brandon, Executive Chairman. Weiner, who joined the company in 2008, is credited with driving the brand’s “Pizza Turnaround” campaign in 2010 and architecting its “Hungry for MORE” growth strategy. He transitions to Executive Chairman Designate on October 1, then formally assumes the Executive Chairman role following the 2027 annual shareholder meeting.
Jordan’s Operational Track Record Across the System
Joe Jordan has held senior positions at Domino’s for nearly 15 years, spanning marketing, U.S. operations, international expansion, technology, and franchisee support. In his most recent role as COO and President of Domino’s U.S., he led the relaunch of the company’s loyalty and e-commerce platforms and the rollout of its global digital marketplace partnerships. During his period overseeing international operations, the brand opened more than 3,000 stores worldwide. “I have also been fortunate to work closely with Russell over the past four years and am grateful for his leadership and contributions to Domino’s,” said Joe Jordan, Chief Operating Officer and President, Domino’s U.S. Jordan will join the company’s Board of Directors upon assuming the CEO role on October 1.
A Three-Stage Leadership Timeline Through 2027
The announcement outlines a layered calendar. Weiner remains CEO through September 30, 2026. Starting October 1, he becomes Executive Chairman Designate while Jordan assumes the top role. Brandon, who has served in various capacities at Domino’s since 1999 and as Executive Chairman since 2022, will not stand for reelection to the Board in 2027, concluding a 28-year association with the brand. The overlapping structure is designed to preserve institutional continuity: Weiner’s presence on the Board through at least the 2027 shareholder meeting gives the incoming CEO access to an Executive Chairman who has shaped Domino’s franchise model across two decades of category leadership.
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