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The head of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the UK might have reached peak pizza while broadening the company into chicken products has been removed after tensions with its governing body.

Leadership Shake-Up

Rennie is leaving after a brief tenure in charge, and will be succeeded on an interim basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a permanent CEO.

The outgoing executive, who served at Domino's for more than two decades, had aimed to pivot Britain's largest pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, stating earlier this month there was not “huge potential” left in the UK's pizza market. He noted poultry was the quickest rising protein in the world.

Board Friction

It is understood that there was disagreement between Rennie and the board over his approach and direction, although the company's official statement said he was stepping down “as a joint decision”.

New Product Introduction

In September, the chain unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which the former chief called a “bold new chapter” for the organization – and is testing it in 210 outlets in the North West region and the province.

While the firm is still going to roll it out across its extensive network in the coming year as planned, it views fried chicken as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Board Comment

Bull, the Domino's chair, commented: “We are confident that there are a range of possibilities to drive further growth and profitability in the main pizza segment. We are focused on identifying the ideal CEO to lead the systematic rollout of that development approach.”

Market Challenges

Recently, the pizza delivery giant, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said orders fell by 1.5 percent in the third quarter. In August, it cautioned that the quick-service industry had “grown more challenging” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the budget and increasing labor expenses for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in half-year profits.

Other pizza operators are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut disclosed the closure of multiple locations a month ago, after the firm behind its outlets fell into administration.

Health Efforts

Responding to consumer trends towards better nutrition, Domino's has rolled out lower-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of pizzas below 400 calories as well as plant-based and wheat-free options. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 calories. A big margherita has 2,171, while a individual has 909 calories.

Acting Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the gaming group William Hill. It is believed that she prefers not to occupy the CEO position permanently.

She said: “Our team has a number of ongoing development and operational projects that we will be focused on carrying out at a rapid rate.”

She added these comprised further work on the organization's procurement system and new item creation, and its customer retention initiative.

Domino's is also without a permanent finance director until the spring, when a new appointee comes aboard from the drinks company a well-known firm. For now, Snow acts as temporary CFO.