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The boss of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the UK might have reached pizza saturation while expanding the chain into poultry items has been replaced after conflicts with its directors.

Leadership Shake-Up

Rennie is exiting after just two years in leadership, and will be succeeded on an acting basis by the company's chief operating officer, Frampton, while Domino's looks for a new leader.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for a substantial period, had sought to shift the UK's largest pizza food delivery firm towards chicken offerings, remarking earlier this month there was not “huge potential” left in the British pizza industry. He observed chicken was the most rapidly expanding food category in the international market.

Board Friction

Reports indicate that there was disagreement between Rennie and the directors over his focus and management style, although the company's official statement said he was leaving “through mutual consent”.

New Product Launch

In September, the chain launched its poultry offering – which Rennie described as a “significant new phase” for the group – and is piloting it in 210 outlets 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 intended, it regards fried chicken as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Leadership Statement

Ian Bull, the company chair, commented: “The board believes that there are a number of opportunities to enhance value and performance improvement in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing identifying the right chief executive to lead the disciplined execution of that expansion plan.”

Industry Difficulties

Recently, Domino's, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said orders fell by one and a half percent in the third quarter. In August, it cautioned that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the run-up to the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a 15% drop in half-year profits.

Competitors are also struggling. Another major chain announced the closing of 68 restaurants a recently, after the company behind its UK venues entered insolvency.

Wellness Initiatives

Responding to customer preferences towards balanced diets, Domino's has launched lower-calorie products, such as its thin-crust selection of bakes below 400 kcal as well as meat-free and gluten-free options. A big pepperoni bake has over 2,300 kcal. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a individual has under 1,000 calories.

Interim Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and had a background at the betting firm a well-known operator. It is believed that she does not want to assume the top job permanently.

She said: “Our team has a several ongoing growth and performance initiatives that we will be concentrating on carrying out at pace.”

She said these involved ongoing development on the company's procurement system and menu innovation, and its rewards program.

The pizza chain is also lacking a permanent finance director until 16 March, when Andy Andrea comes aboard from the drinks company C&C Group. Until then, Snow is acting financial officer.