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A chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the United Kingdom might have hit peak pizza while expanding the chain into poultry items has been removed after disagreements with its directors.

Leadership Shake-Up

The former CEO is leaving after just two years in charge, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the organization's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant looks for a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who served at the company for over 20 years, had sought to redirect the UK's largest pizza delivery company towards chicken offerings, stating in a recent interview there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He said chicken was the fastest-growing protein in the international market.

Governance Tensions

Sources suggest that there was disagreement between Rennie and the board over his focus and business vision, although the company's release said he was leaving “by mutual agreement”.

Recent Brand Introduction

In September, the chain introduced its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which the former chief referred to as a “significant new phase” for the company – and is trialling it in 210 outlets in the North West region and Northern Ireland.

While the firm is still planning to expand it across its extensive network next year as intended, it considers fried chicken as complementary to its primary pizza operations.

Board Statement

Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, stated: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and profitability in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing identifying the right chief executive to oversee the systematic rollout of that expansion plan.”

Market Difficulties

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said sales dipped by 1.5 percent in the latest quarter. In the summer, it cautioned that the food delivery sector had “grown more challenging” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the run-up to the budget and higher payroll outlays for weaker-than-expected sales and a 15 percent decline in six-month income.

Other pizza operators are also struggling. Pizza Hut announced the shutting of 68 restaurants a month ago, after the company behind its outlets fell into administration.

Wellness Initiatives

Trying to keep up with consumer trends towards better nutrition, Domino's has introduced lower-calorie items, such as its thin-crust selection of pizzas below 400 kcals as well as vegan and allergy-friendly options. A big pepperoni bake has over 2,300 kcal. A large cheese and tomato pizza has over 2,100, while a individual has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and was formerly with the gaming group William Hill. It is understood that she does not want to assume the chief executive role permanently.

She commented: “We have a several ongoing development and performance initiatives that we will be concentrating on implementing at speed.”

Frampton noted these involved additional efforts on the company's procurement system and new item creation, and its loyalty scheme.

Domino's is also without a full-time finance director until March 16, when a new appointee comes aboard from the beverage producer C&C Group. Until then, Snow serves as acting financial officer.