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The chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who proposed the United Kingdom might have reached pizza saturation while expanding the franchise into poultry items has been ousted after tensions with its directors.

Executive Transition

The former CEO is leaving after only 24 months in the top role, and will be replaced on an interim basis by the organization's operations head, Frampton, while Domino's seeks a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who was with Domino's for over 20 years, had attempted to pivot the UK's biggest pizza delivery company towards poultry-based products, stating recently there was not “huge potential” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He noted chicken was the most rapidly expanding menu item in the world.

Board Friction

Reports indicate that there was tension between the CEO and the directors over his focus and direction, although Domino's announcement said he was departing “by mutual agreement”.

New Product Launch

In September, the chain unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which Rennie referred to as a “significant new phase” for the company – and is piloting it in select stores in the north-west of England and the province.

While the business is still going to roll it out across its nearly 1,400 branches in the coming year as planned, it views fried chicken as complementary to its core pizza business.

Leadership Comment

The Domino's chair, the company chair, commented: “The board believes that there are a number of opportunities to boost expansion and performance improvement in the main pizza segment. We are focused on identifying the right chief executive to direct the disciplined execution of that expansion plan.”

Market Challenges

In the latest update, the pizza delivery giant, which has 13 million customers in the British Isles, said sales declined by 1.5 percent in the latest quarter. In August, it alerted that the quick-service industry had “become tougher” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the lead-up to the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a significant fall in six-month income.

Other pizza operators are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain revealed the shutting of 68 restaurants a month ago, after the business behind its British operations fell into administration.

Wellness Initiatives

Adapting to market shifts towards better nutrition, the company has launched lower-calorie options, such as its thin-crust selection of bakes below 400 kcals as well as vegan and allergy-friendly pizzas. A family-sized pepperoni has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a personal has 909 kcal.

Acting Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and had a background at the gambling company William Hill. It is understood that she prefers not to take on the chief executive role permanently.

She commented: “We have a number of active growth and performance initiatives that we will be focused on implementing at a rapid rate.”

Frampton noted these comprised further work on the company's supply chain and menu innovation, and its rewards program.

Domino's is also without a full-time chief financial officer until 16 March, when Andy Andrea joins from the beverage producer C&C Group. For now, Snow is interim finance chief.