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The head of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the United Kingdom might have hit maximum pizza demand while expanding the chain into chicken products has been removed after conflicts with its board.

Executive Shake-Up

The former CEO is exiting after only 24 months in charge, and will be replaced on an interim basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's searches for a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who worked for the company for a substantial period, had attempted to redirect the UK's leading pizza takeaway chain towards fried chicken, commenting earlier this month there was not “huge potential” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He said chicken was the fastest-growing protein in the international market.

Governance Friction

It is understood that there was disagreement between Rennie and the directors over his strategy and management style, although Domino's announcement said he was stepping down “through mutual consent”.

New Product Launch

In September, Domino's unveiled its poultry product line – which Rennie referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the company – and is trialling it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the company is still going to roll it out across its extensive network next year as intended, it views fried chicken as a supplement for its main pizza offerings.

Board Statement

Bull, the company chairman, stated: “Directors think that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and performance improvement in our primary operations. We are prioritizing identifying the right chief executive to oversee the careful implementation of that growth strategy.”

Market Challenges

In the latest update, Domino's, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said sales fell by one and a half percent in the Q3. In the summer, it alerted that the food delivery sector had “intensified” as it attributed reduced spending in the period before the budget and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a 15% drop in six-month income.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain disclosed the shutting of multiple locations a month ago, after the business behind its British operations faced financial collapse.

Wellness Efforts

Responding to consumer trends towards balanced diets, the company has rolled out light items, such as its thin-crust line of bakes below 400 kcals as well as plant-based and wheat-free options. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has 2,171, while a individual has 909 kcal.

Acting Management

Nicola Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the betting firm a well-known operator. It is thought that she prefers not to assume the CEO position long-term.

She said: “Our team has a several active development and performance initiatives that we will be focused on executing at a rapid rate.”

Frampton noted these included further work on the organization's procurement system and new item creation, and its customer retention initiative.

The pizza chain is also in need of a permanent CFO until 16 March, when Andy Andrea comes aboard from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. Until then, Richard Snow acts as interim finance chief.