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The boss of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the UK might have reached maximum pizza demand while diversifying the franchise into poultry items has been ousted after tensions with its board.

Executive Transition

Andrew Rennie is departing after just two years in charge, and will be succeeded on an acting basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant looks for a long-term chief.

Rennie, who was with Domino's for more than two decades, had attempted to redirect Britain's biggest pizza delivery company towards chicken offerings, stating recently there was not “massive growth” left in the UK's pizza market. He said poultry was the fastest-growing protein in the globe.

Board Tensions

It is understood that there was tension between Rennie and the board over his strategy and business vision, although the company's official statement said he was leaving “by mutual agreement”.

New Brand Launch

In the autumn, Domino's introduced its Chick 'N' Dip offering – which the former chief described as a “significant new phase” for the organization – and is trialling it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the business is still planning to expand it across its almost 1,400 stores in the coming year as intended, it views fried chicken as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Leadership Comment

Bull, the company chairman, stated: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and profitability in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing selecting the ideal CEO to direct the careful implementation of that growth strategy.”

Industry Challenges

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said sales fell by one and a half percent in the Q3. In August, it warned that the quick-service industry had “grown more challenging” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the period before the budget and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in six-month income.

Competitors are also facing challenges. Pizza Hut disclosed the shutting of 68 restaurants a last month, after the company behind its outlets faced financial collapse.

Wellness Efforts

Responding to market shifts towards healthier eating, Domino's has rolled out light products, such as its thin-crust selection of bakes below 400 kcal as well as plant-based and wheat-free options. A family-sized pepperoni has 2,311 kcals. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171, while a personal has 909 calories.

Interim Management

The interim chief has been with the company since 2021, and previously worked for the gaming group William Hill. It is believed that she prefers not to take on the chief executive role permanently.

Frampton stated: “The company has a several active expansion and efficiency programs that we will be focused on carrying out at pace.”

She added these included additional efforts on the organization's procurement system and product development, and its loyalty scheme.

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