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A head of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who proposed the United Kingdom might have reached peak pizza while expanding the company into chicken products has been replaced after conflicts with its governing body.

Leadership Shake-Up

Rennie is departing after only 24 months in the top role, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the company's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant seeks a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for over 20 years, had attempted to shift Britain's leading pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, commenting recently there was not “huge potential” left in the British pizza industry. He noted chicken was the fastest-growing menu item in the world.

Board Disagreements

Reports indicate that there was tension between Rennie and the directors over his approach and direction, although Domino's announcement said he was leaving “by mutual agreement”.

Recent Product Introduction

In the autumn, the chain launched its poultry brand – which Rennie referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the organization – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the North West region and Northern Ireland.

While the firm is still intending to launch it across its nearly 1,400 branches in 2026 as intended, it views fried chicken as a supplement for its primary pizza operations.

Board Comment

Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, commented: “Directors think that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and profitability in Domino's core business. We are focused on selecting the suitable leader to lead the disciplined execution of that expansion plan.”

Market Difficulties

Recently, the pizza delivery giant, which has millions of users in the UK and Ireland, said orders dipped by 1.5 percent in the Q3. In August, it warned that the takeaway market had “become tougher” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the budget and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a 15% drop in interim earnings.

Other pizza operators are also struggling. Pizza Hut revealed the closing of multiple locations a last month, after the firm behind its British operations fell into administration.

Wellness Efforts

Responding to customer preferences towards balanced diets, the company has introduced lower-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy range of bakes below 400 calories as well as vegan and gluten-free options. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171, while a personal has under 1,000 calories.

Interim Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with Domino's since the recent past, and previously worked for the gaming group William Hill. It is thought that she is not seeking to assume the chief executive role long-term.

Frampton stated: “Our team has a multiple current development and operational projects that we will be dedicated to executing at pace.”

She added these involved additional efforts on the organization's procurement system and product development, and its customer retention initiative.

Domino's is also in need of a permanent finance director until 16 March, when Andrea comes aboard from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. Until then, Snow acts as temporary CFO.