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The chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the United Kingdom might have reached peak pizza while broadening the company into chicken products has been ousted after conflicts with its governing body.

Leadership Shake-Up

The former CEO is departing after a brief tenure in leadership, and will be replaced on an interim basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who served at the company for over 20 years, had attempted to redirect the UK's leading pizza delivery company towards fried chicken, commenting earlier this month there was not “significant expansion” left in the British pizza industry. He noted poultry was the quickest rising menu item in the globe.

Board Friction

Sources suggest that there was tension between the CEO and the governance team over his strategy and business vision, although the company's announcement said he was leaving “through mutual consent”.

Recent Brand Launch

In the autumn, Domino's unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which the former chief described as a “bold new chapter” for the group – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England and the province.

While the company is still intending to launch it across its almost 1,400 stores in 2026 as planned, it considers chicken products as complementary to its main pizza offerings.

Leadership Comment

Bull, the Domino's chair, said: “The board believes that there are a number of opportunities to enhance value and profitability in our primary operations. We are focused on identifying the suitable leader to direct the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.”

Industry Difficulties

Earlier this month, the pizza delivery giant, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said orders declined by 1.5 percent in the latest quarter. In August, it warned that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it attributed reduced spending in the period before the government announcement and rising wage costs for below-target performance and a significant fall in six-month income.

Rival chains are also facing challenges. Another major chain announced the closing of dozens of outlets a last month, after the firm behind its British operations entered insolvency.

Health Efforts

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards balanced diets, Domino's has rolled out reduced-calorie products, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of pizzas below 400 calories as well as vegan and gluten-free pizzas. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 kcals. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171, while a individual has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and was formerly with the gaming group a well-known operator. It is believed that she does not want to take on the chief executive role permanently.

She commented: “Our team has a multiple current expansion and operational projects that we will be focused on carrying out at a rapid rate.”

She added these comprised additional efforts on the company's supply chain and new item creation, and its loyalty scheme.

Domino's is also lacking a permanent finance director until March 16, when Andrea comes aboard from the beverage producer C&C Group. Until then, Richard Snow is temporary CFO.