Domino’s Pizza names David Wild new chief ahead of float

Domino's Pizza has named the former boss of Halfords as its new 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.