Domino CEO Hevesh Hevesh Is Changing the Domino Game

Domino is a game of matching tiles with identical patterns or numbers, each bearing a line that divides it visually into two squares. Each side has a value, which may range from six to none or blank (indicated as “0” in the listing below). The values on a domino are referred to as pips, and the total number of pips determines its rank. A domino with more pips is called a heavier or higher domino than one with less pips.

Hevesh grew to love the art of dominos when she was 10 and began posting videos of her creations on YouTube. By age 20, she was a professional domino artist who has created stunning domino setups for movies, TV shows, and events—including an album launch for Katy Perry. She is renowned for her mind-blowing installations, which can take several nail-biting minutes to fall.

She has also used her skills to create a variety of different types of structures for public displays, such as the aforementioned circular setup and a 57-foot-long domino wall that features a giant white elephant. She has used her creations to teach children about science and math through hands-on activities, such as making a domino chain that shows how potential energy translates to kinetic energy.

Domino has spent years focusing on cutting-edge technology—and it’s paying off. For example, its customers can now order pizza through their favorite voice assistants, like Amazon Echo or Google Assistant. Domino is also leveraging its software analytics capabilities to help its employees better understand the performance of their stores and identify areas for improvement.

The company’s leadership structure has also been restructured to provide the necessary oversight and guidance. Last year, the company named a new chief executive officer to replace longtime leader David Brandon, who had been at the helm for more than 20 years. Domino’s new CEO, Don Meij, is a former CEO of the tech company Twilio and has a reputation for empowering people and creating an environment where people can flourish.

In addition to refocusing the company’s strategy and building a more robust tech infrastructure, Domino has made sweeping changes to its delivery operations in an effort to improve service. In the past, the company had a relatively rigid delivery schedule—which was often cited as an issue by customers who preferred a more flexible option.

Domino’s has also redesigned its ordering system to allow customers to choose their own pickup time—another popular request from its customer base. The company has begun offering more specialty pizza flavors, too, which is also expected to boost sales in the future. This, in addition to its investment in new delivery technologies and revamping its store design, has been a key driver of Domino’s recent success. The company’s stock is up more than 20% in the past year.