German Doner Kebab (GDK) has appointed two industry veterans from Domino’s.
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 comes in as chief development officer, following eight years at the pizza chain, where he was the chief executive of both Germany and Norway and group business development director.
Wallis succeeds current GDK boss Imran Sayeed, who has been promoted to the position of group chief executive at Hero Brands’ food and beverage division, which also includes brands such as Choppaluna, Island Poke, Dirty Bones and Sides.
Athif Sarwar, Hero Brands’ founder and chair, said: “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.”
Sayeed, who joined GDK in 2016 following a career at Yum! Restaurants International, added: “Both Simon and Robin bring significant senior industry experience, and I believe they will play a huge role as we take our brand to the next level.”
Wallis led Domino's recent digitisation, with the launch of the brand’s first ever mobile ordering app worldwide, established flagship media partnerships and led innovation such as the Stuffed Crust pizza.
“I am super excited to be joining the team at GDK to lead the business through its next stage of growth, and to build on the great foundations laid by our hard-working team members and franchise partners in fulfilling our ambition to create the undisputed number one doner kebab brand on the planet”, he commented.
Caley was part of the same team that shaped Domino’s in the UK, having opened more than 350 stores and improving franchise relations.
He added: “I’ve watched the brand grow in the UK over the last few years and have really admired the proposition the team have developed.”
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