David A. Brandon
Age: 55
Title: CEO/Chairman of the Board/Director/Other Corporate Officer (CEO since 1999)
Company: Domino’s Pizza Inc.
HQ: Ann Arbor, Michigan
2007 Total Cash Compensation: $14,782,414
2007 Total Stock Options: $33,038,841
David Brandon has been feeling the heat, and it’s not from his company’s ovens. In 2007, Domino’s made little dough—$37.9 million to be exact. That was down $68.3 million from the year before. Brandon attributed the plunge to “the combination of unprecedented cost inflation and cautious consumer spending” in the U.S.
Rather than worrying about factors he can’t control, Brandon is focusing on his stores’ service levels, product consistency, and brand image. To the latter point, Domino’s has hired a new advertising agency (Crispin Porter + Bogusky of Burger King fame) to lead its efforts.
Domino’s is also testing possible additions to the menu to help its stores better compete for lunch crowds. And Brandon is going after the little guy with little money. He’s implementing a new strategy to attract lower-ticket customers—a segment he says has been left behind in recent years by dramatic price increases.
Roland C. Smith
Age: 52
Title: CEO/Director (CEO since 2006)
Company: Triarc Companies
HQ: Atlanta
2007 Total Cash Compensation: Not Available*
2007 Total Stock Options: Not Available*
* Privately Held Company
Roland Smith has quite a challenge on his hands—making Wendy’s and Arby’s one big, happy family. (He will head both companies once the merger is approved.) His first plan is a meeting over breakfast.
Smith says both restaurants have growth opportunities in expanding their breakfast, snack, and late-night menu offerings. He’s also focusing on global expansion, both through acquisitions and new unit development.
According to Smith, shareholders will soon be able to celebrate better financials. The merger should improve cost controls over food, labor, and other expenses between the two companies—generating $100 million a year in operating profits over time, according to Smith. To wit: Eliminating duplicate corporate functions and streamlining support services should save about $60 million.
The Rank and File
So how much bacon is everyone else bringing home? QSR also investigated the salary ranges of those working under the CEO in the quick-service industry.
Chief Operating Officer: $250,000–$468,000
Chief Financial Officer: $170,000–$394,200
Chief Marketing Officer: $235,000–$315,000
Chief People Officer: $168,000–$295,000
Vice President of Distribution/Purchasing: $141,000–$185,000
Regional Director: $62,000–$200,000
General Manager: $26,900–$47,100
Assistant Manager: $17,300–$34,600
Source: People Report “2007 Compensation and Benefits Survey”