Domino's Pizza today dialled up the former boss of Halfords to act as its chief executive as Lance Batchelor moves on to Saga ahead of its £3 billion flotation.
The current chief will leave Domino’s six weeks earlier than originally planned as Saga’s private equity owners —Permira, CVC Capital and Charterhouse — power ahead with the share sale. David Wild, the ex-Halfords boss who only joined Domino’s as a non-executive director in November, becomes acting chief executive immediately. He will work alongside Batchelor for the next six weeks and will continue in the role for two months after a new full-time chief has been appointed.
Domino’s said headhunters had drawn up a “long list” of potential candidates but added that it could be several months before a new boss actually starts.
Stephen Hemsley, chairman of Domino’s, said: “I am delighted that David has agreed to step in... whilst we continue our search for a permanent replacement. Since joining as a non-exec in November, he has quickly got to grips with the business and I look forward to working with him over the coming months.”
Domino’s shares shot up 21.5p to 535.5p.
