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A boss of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who proposed the United Kingdom might have reached maximum pizza demand while broadening the chain into poultry items has been ousted after conflicts with its governing body.

Executive Change

The former CEO is exiting after just two years in leadership, and will be succeeded on an interim basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant looks for a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who was with the company for over 20 years, had sought to redirect Britain's largest pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, stating in a recent interview there was not “significant expansion” left in the UK's pizza market. He observed chicken was the fastest-growing menu item in the world.

Governance Tensions

Sources suggest that there was disagreement between Rennie and the directors over his strategy and management style, although the company's release said he was leaving “by mutual agreement”.

Recent Brand Launch

In the autumn, Domino's launched its poultry product line – which Rennie referred to as a “significant new phase” for the group – and is testing it in 210 outlets in the North West region and the province.

While the firm is still planning to expand it across its almost 1,400 stores in the coming year as planned, it views chicken products as complementary to its main pizza offerings.

Board Statement

Bull, the company chairman, stated: “Directors think that there are a number of opportunities to boost expansion and profitability in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing selecting the right chief executive to direct the systematic rollout of that expansion plan.”

Market Difficulties

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has millions of users in the UK and Ireland, said sales fell by 1.5 percent in the third quarter. In the summer, it alerted that the takeaway market had “intensified” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the lead-up to the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in half-year profits.

Other pizza operators are also facing challenges. Pizza Hut disclosed the closure of dozens of outlets a month ago, after the firm behind its British operations entered insolvency.

Health Initiatives

Adapting to market shifts towards healthier eating, Domino's has rolled out lower-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy line of pizzas below 400 kcals as well as vegan and wheat-free options. A family-sized pepperoni has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a personal has 909 kcal.

Acting Management

Nicola Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and previously worked for the gambling company a well-known operator. It is believed that she does not want to take on the CEO position long-term.

She commented: “The company has a several ongoing development and efficiency programs that we will be dedicated to executing at speed.”

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

Domino's is also in need of a permanent CFO until the spring, when a new appointee joins from the drinks company C&C Group. Until then, Snow is temporary CFO.