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The boss of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the United Kingdom might have hit maximum pizza demand while diversifying the franchise into chicken products has been removed after tensions with its board.

Leadership Transition

Rennie is exiting after only 24 months in charge, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Frampton, while Domino's searches for a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who worked for the company for over 20 years, had sought to pivot Britain's largest pizza takeaway chain towards poultry-based products, remarking recently there was not “significant expansion” left in the UK's pizza market. He noted poultry was the most rapidly expanding food category in the world.

Board Disagreements

Sources suggest that there was disagreement between the CEO and the governance team over his strategy and direction, although the company's official statement said he was leaving “by mutual agreement”.

Recent Brand Launch

In the autumn, the chain launched its poultry offering – which Rennie referred to as a “bold new chapter” for the company – and is piloting it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the firm is still planning to expand it across its almost 1,400 stores next year as scheduled, it regards chicken products as complementary to its primary pizza operations.

Board Comment

Ian Bull, the company chairman, said: “Directors think that there are a series of prospects to boost expansion and profitability in the main pizza segment. We are focused on identifying the right chief executive to direct the disciplined execution of that development approach.”

Industry Challenges

Earlier this month, the pizza delivery giant, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said orders declined by 1.5 percent in the latest quarter. In August, it cautioned that the food delivery sector had “intensified” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the run-up to the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in half-year profits.

Other pizza operators are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain revealed the closing of dozens of outlets a recently, after the firm behind its British operations faced financial collapse.

Wellness Initiatives

Trying to keep up with market shifts towards balanced diets, the company has introduced lower-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy range of pizzas below 400 kcals as well as plant-based and allergy-friendly options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 calories. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171 kcal, while a personal has 909 kcal.

Acting Leadership

Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the gaming group a well-known operator. It is understood that she does not want to take on the top job permanently.

She said: “Our team has a several current development and operational projects that we will be dedicated to executing at pace.”

Frampton noted these comprised ongoing development on the organization's supply chain and menu innovation, and its rewards program.

Domino's is also lacking a long-term CFO until March 16, when a new appointee comes aboard from the drinks company C&C Group. For now, Richard Snow serves as acting financial officer.