Ritch Allison, the former CEO of Domino’s Pizza Inc., has been appointed to the UNC Board of Trustees.
“As someone who is so deeply passionate about Carolina, I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to continue to give back to the University,” Allison said in a press release from University Communications. “As our nation’s first public university, Carolina has a long history of excellence. I am excited to work with the board and with Chancellor Roberts to serve the people of our state and the country through outstanding teaching, research and public service.”
Allison, who currently sits on the Starbucks Corporation’s Board of Directors, is replacing former BOT member David Boliek, who was recently sworn in as state auditor.
The UNC System Board of Governors appointed Allison on Thursday. He will stand for the remainder of Boliek’s term, which was slated to end in 2027.
In March 2024, Allison donated $1,000 to Boliek’s state auditor campaign. He also donated $1,600 to BOT member Brad Briner, who was elected as state treasurer in November.
Along with his position at Starbucks, Allison also serves on the board for Kenvue Inc, a consumer health company that owns brands including Neutrogena, Tylenol and Motrin.
In October 2023, students protested Allison’s attendance at a “fireside chat” at Carolina Inn, due to Starbucks’ history of labor law violations. The event was hosted by the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, a partner of the Kenan-Flagler Business School, and mediated by Kenan-Flagler Dean Mary Margaret Frank.
A double UNC alumus, Allison and his wife Susan established the Susan Allison Assured Admit Scholarship Fund in 2017 for assured admits to the business school. He previously served on the Kenan-Flagler board from 2014-25 and as board chair since 2023.
Allison and his wife also established the Allison Mentorship program, which offers “professional development and application readiness support” for first-years interested in pursuing business at UNC.
