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The head of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the UK might have reached pizza saturation while broadening the company into chicken products has been removed after disagreements with its governing body.

Executive Change

Rennie is departing after just two years in charge, and will be succeeded on an temporary basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's searches for a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who worked for the company for more than two decades, had aimed to pivot the UK's leading pizza takeaway chain towards poultry-based products, remarking earlier this month there was not “huge potential” left in the British pizza industry. He observed poultry was the most rapidly expanding protein in the world.

Governance Friction

It is understood that there was friction between the CEO and the governance team over his focus and management style, although Domino's release said he was leaving “through mutual consent”.

New Brand Introduction

In September, Domino's unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip offering – which the former chief referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the organization – and is trialling it in over 200 locations in the North West region and Northern Ireland.

While the business is still intending to launch it across its almost 1,400 stores in 2026 as intended, it views fried chicken as complementary to its primary pizza operations.

Leadership Statement

The Domino's chair, the Domino's chairman, commented: “The board believes that there are a series of prospects to boost expansion and profitability in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing identifying the right chief executive to oversee the careful implementation of that development approach.”

Industry Challenges

Earlier this month, the pizza delivery giant, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said orders fell by 1.5% in the latest quarter. In the summer, it cautioned that the quick-service industry had “grown more challenging” as it attributed reduced spending in the run-up to the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a 15 percent decline in six-month income.

Other pizza operators are also facing challenges. Pizza Hut disclosed the closure of multiple locations a month ago, after the firm behind its UK venues faced financial collapse.

Wellness Efforts

Responding to customer preferences towards healthier eating, Domino's has launched light options, such as its Thin & Crispy line of pizzas below 400 calories as well as vegan and wheat-free options. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A big margherita has 2,171, while a individual has 909 kcal.

Acting Management

Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and was formerly with the gaming group a well-known operator. It is understood that she is not seeking to assume the CEO position permanently.

Frampton stated: “We have a number of active development and operational projects that we will be focused on carrying out at a rapid rate.”

Frampton noted these comprised ongoing development on the company's logistics network and menu innovation, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also lacking a full-time CFO until 16 March, when Andy Andrea joins from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. Until then, Richard Snow serves as interim finance chief.