Merrill Pereyra moves on from Pizza Hut India

Merrill Pereyra has stepped down as the Managing Director of Pizza Hut India. The QSR veteran announced his career move through a LinkedIn post: “After five rewarding years as Managing Director of Pizza Hut India, it's time for me to move on to the next chapter.”

Rohan Pewekar, who has been with Yum Foods for four years, will take over from Pereyra.

“I’m confident that the brand is in great hands with Rohan Pewekar, the incoming Managing Director who will continue to drive the brand forward with innovation and passion.

Looking ahead, I’m happy to offer my insights and support in an advisory capacity in the QSR space. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of help,” he wrote.

Pereyra joined Pizza Hut in Jan 2020 and was in charge of leading the restaurant chain into long-term profitable growth across Indian Subcontinent.

He oversaw the growth and expansion of the brand’s footprint across the subcontinent countries, based out of the headquarters in Gurgaon. 

Before taking on his current role as Managing Director of Pizza Hut Indian Subcontinent, Pereyra served as the Executive Director and CEO of QSR Brands (M) Holdings, part of CVC Capital Partners, EPF, and Johor Corporation, a major player in Malaysia's rapidly growing retail food industry. He has also brought dynamic and innovative leadership to leading QSR brands such as McDonald’s Corporation, KFC, and Pizza Hut Singapore. During his time at Pizza Hut Malaysia, he re-evaluated the company’s business model and implemented a rapid turnaround strategy, resulting in double-digit growth in Same Store Sales and customer numbers. Additionally, he led the core management team in preparing for the firm’s IPO, conducting investor roadshows in London and various locations worldwide to promote the offering to a broader audience.

Pereyra is an alumnus of Wharton University of Pennsylvania where he completed its Advanced Management Program for senior executives. Merrill is also the author of ‘Expand Your Brand, how to supersize any brand anywhere in the world’.