Merrill Pereyra

Merrill Christopher Pereyra has been the CEO of QSR Brands (M) Holdings Berhad since January 2017. He oversees over 1,200 Pizza Hut and KFC outlets across Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Brunei, leading a workforce of more than 34,000 employees. Pereyra initially joined QSR Brands as Chief Operating Officer in June 2016 before being promoted to CEO within six months. His leadership focuses on operational excellence and strategic growth, supported by years of experience in quick-service restaurants like McDonald’s, Healthy Habits, and Domino’s Pizza.

A Career Built on Experience and Innovation

Pereyra started his career with McDonald’s Corporation as a Trainee Manager, eventually becoming a Regional Manager after 23 years. He then wrote “Expand Your Brand,” a book sharing insights on business expansion. In 2011, he became Managing Director of Healthy Habits, followed by his role as CEO of Domino’s Pizza, where he transformed the business into a profitable model and introduced a fast-track talent management program called DELTA.

Revitalizing Pizza Hut with a People-First Approach

Upon joining QSR Brands, Pereyra faced the challenge of revitalizing Pizza Hut, which had been in decline for four years. Understanding the importance of employee morale, he implemented a turnaround strategy focusing on People, Place, Product, Promotion, and Profit. His leadership resulted in a 12% sales growth the following year and a significant boost in staff motivation, driving further improvements in performance.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Pereyra is a firm believer in lifelong learning, having attended prestigious executive programs, including Harvard Business School’s “Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage,” The Wharton School’s “Advanced Management Program,” and INSEAD’s “Asian International Executive Program.” These programs have shaped his leadership approach and strategic decision-making.

A People-Centered Leadership Style

Pereyra’s leadership philosophy centers on trust, integrity, and fostering a collaborative work culture. He values diverse perspectives, emphasizing appreciation, encouragement, and recognition as key to building strong, productive teams. His book underscores this belief, highlighting the importance of respect and job satisfaction in achieving success.

Navigating Modern Challenges

Adapting to changes in the business landscape, Pereyra has successfully navigated challenges such as the rise of social media, ensuring that QSR Brands maintains a positive public image. His ability to evolve with the times has been instrumental in sustaining the company’s growth.

Commitment to Social Responsibility

Beyond business, Pereyra is actively involved in charitable initiatives. Under his leadership, Pizza Hut partnered with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia in 2017 to launch “SayangiMu,” a program aimed at providing breast cancer screenings to women in rural areas, reinforcing his dedication to corporate social responsibility.

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