Domino’s appoints Dieter Haberl as CEO for Japan, marking strategic leadership shift

JAPAN – Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd has appointed Dieter Haberl as Chief Executive Officer for Domino’s Japan, effective October 20, 2025.

This leadership change reflects the company’s strategic focus on strengthening its presence in one of its most important international markets.

Haberl brings over 25 years of chief executive experience in Japan, leading consumer-facing brands both locally owned and as part of multinational enterprises.

His background includes senior roles at Toys R Us, Reebok, Lacoste, Furla, and The Coca-Cola Company in Germany and Japan. He has deep expertise in multi-channel retail, digital sales, and brand transformation.

Domino’s Executive Chairman Jack Cowin expressed confidence in Haberl’s appointment, emphasizing his track record delivering large-scale transformation and building brand loyalty in complex consumer-facing operations.

Domino’s Japan is seen as a forward-thinking, quality-focused market, where the brand leads the pizza category and customer expectations are high.

Josh Kilimnik, current CEO of Domino’s Asia and acting CEO of Japan, will depart by March 30, 2026, following a transition period with Haberl and leadership teams.

Kilimnik has served Domino’s in leadership roles for more than two decades across Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, and was inducted into DMP’s “Hall of Fame”.

Recent years have seen a wave of leadership appointments under the company’s regional streamlining strategy.

In August 2025, Domino’s Pizza International named ex-McDonald’s Singapore MD Benjamin Boh as Regional Vice President for Asia, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA), bringing expertise from a highly competitive QSR arena.

Domino’s has aggressively expanded its Asian presence, particularly in Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

The region is now a high-growth priority, supported by digital innovation, data-driven business models, and market-focused leadership. As Domino’s transitions to a more locally accountable structure, it aims to accelerate new store openings and deepen customer engagement in Asia’s diverse markets.

The company is investing in localized menu innovation, such as matcha and teriyaki offerings in Japan, and expanding delivery infrastructure using AI-powered logistics.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to increase same-store sales and improve customer retention across Asia, where digital adoption and mobile ordering are rapidly growing.

Domino’s is also optimizing its real estate footprint, focusing on high-traffic urban locations and delivery-only dark stores to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This operational agility supports long-term profitability and scalability in competitive markets.

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