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A boss of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who proposed the UK might have reached peak pizza while expanding the chain into chicken products has been replaced after conflicts with its directors.

Executive Change

The former CEO is exiting after just two years in leadership, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant seeks a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who worked for Domino's for a substantial period, had aimed to redirect Britain's largest pizza delivery company towards poultry-based products, remarking earlier this month there was not “massive growth” left in the UK's pizza market. He noted chicken was the quickest rising menu item in the globe.

Governance Tensions

It is understood that there was tension between Rennie and the board over his approach and management style, although Domino's announcement said he was departing “through mutual consent”.

Recent Brand Launch

In the autumn, Domino's introduced its Chick 'N' Dip product line – which the former chief described as a “significant new phase” for the company – and is trialling it in select stores in the North West region and the province.

While the company is still planning to expand it across its extensive network in 2026 as planned, it regards chicken products as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Leadership Comment

Bull, the company chairman, said: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and performance improvement in the main pizza segment. We are concentrating on finding the suitable leader to direct the disciplined execution of that development approach.”

Market Difficulties

In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said sales fell by one and a half percent in the latest quarter. In August, it alerted that the quick-service industry had “intensified” as it blamed economic uncertainty in the run-up to the budget and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in interim earnings.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain announced the closure of dozens of outlets a month ago, after the firm behind its British operations faced financial collapse.

Wellness Initiatives

Adapting to market shifts towards healthier eating, the company has launched lower-calorie items, such as its Thin & Crispy range of pizzas below 400 kcal as well as plant-based and wheat-free options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has 2,171, while a personal has 909 kcal.

Interim Management

Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and previously worked for the gaming group a well-known operator. It is thought that she is not seeking to assume the CEO position permanently.

Frampton stated: “Our team has a several active growth and operational projects that we will be concentrating on executing at speed.”

She added these comprised additional efforts on the organization's supply chain and product development, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also without a long-term chief financial officer until March 16, when Andrea joins from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. For now, Snow serves as interim finance chief.