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A boss of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the UK might have hit peak pizza while diversifying the company into poultry items has been replaced after tensions with its directors.

Executive Change

The former CEO is exiting after only 24 months in charge, and will be succeeded on an temporary basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a new leader.

The outgoing executive, who served at Domino's for more than two decades, had aimed to shift the UK's largest pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, remarking in a recent interview there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He observed poultry was the quickest rising menu item in the globe.

Board Disagreements

It is understood that there was disagreement between Rennie and the directors over his focus and business vision, although Domino's official statement said he was leaving “as a joint decision”.

Recent Brand Launch

In the autumn, Domino's launched its chicken-focused product line – which the former chief described as a “major strategic shift” for the organization – and is trialling it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the business is still going to roll it out across its extensive network in 2026 as intended, it views fried chicken as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Leadership Comment

Ian Bull, the company chairman, stated: “The board believes that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and value creation in our primary operations. We are focused on selecting the suitable leader to direct the disciplined execution of that expansion plan.”

Industry Difficulties

In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said orders fell by 1.5 percent in the Q3. In the summer, it warned that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it blamed reduced spending in the lead-up to the budget and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a significant fall in half-year profits.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain announced the shutting of dozens of outlets a last month, after the business behind its outlets faced financial collapse.

Wellness Efforts

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards better nutrition, Domino's has introduced reduced-calorie products, such as its light base selection of pizzas below 400 kcals as well as plant-based and allergy-friendly pizzas. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 calories. A large cheese and tomato pizza has over 2,100, while a small has 909 kcal.

Interim Management

Nicola Frampton has been with Domino's since the recent past, and previously worked for the betting firm William Hill. It is understood that she does not want to occupy the top job on a full-time basis.

Frampton stated: “Our team has a number of ongoing development and efficiency programs that we will be focused on executing at a rapid rate.”

Frampton noted these included further work on the company's logistics network and product development, and its customer retention initiative.

The pizza chain is also lacking a permanent CFO until March 16, when Andrea starts from the drinks company a well-known firm. For now, Snow is acting financial officer.