Domino's Pizza finance director drowns on holiday in Mauritius
27 December 2019, 16:28
The financial boss of Domino's Pizza in the UK has drowned while snorkeling on a family holiday in Mauritius.
David Bauernfeind, 51, died in a snorkeling accident on the Indian Ocean island on Boxing Day, the company said.
A sailor found the body of a British tourist, believed to be Mr Bauernfeind, off the coast of the island, according to local press reports.
Upon being brought back to shore, a post mortem found that the Chief Financial Officer had drowned.
"We are all deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic news," said David Wild, the company's chief executive.
"On behalf of our board, our colleagues and our franchisees, we send our heartfelt sympathies to David's wife Nicolette and daughter Ornella, as well as his wider family and friends."
Mr Bauernfeind was the fourth person in as many years to lead the company's finance department after being appointed in October 2018.
He was also previously the CFO of Connect Group, the newspaper distribution company formerly owned by WH Smith, and also for Xchanging, a technology company where he was employed for 15 years.
His body was found at 11.45am on Thursday off the island's east coast of Belle-Mare, according to Mauritius newspaper L'Express.
The body was taken to Victoria Hospital, further inland.
"David was hugely liked and deeply respected for his dedication and sharp intellect amongst Domino's colleagues. He was a force for good within the business and will be greatly missed," Mr Wild said.
