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A chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the United Kingdom might have hit maximum pizza demand while expanding the company into poultry items has been removed after tensions with its governing body.

Leadership Transition

The former CEO is leaving after only 24 months in leadership, and will be succeeded on an interim basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who was with Domino's for more than two decades, had aimed to redirect the UK's largest pizza food delivery firm towards poultry-based products, stating in a recent interview there was not “massive growth” left in the UK's pizza market. He said chicken was the most rapidly expanding food category in the international market.

Governance Friction

Sources suggest that there was tension between Rennie and the board over his approach and business vision, although the company's announcement said he was stepping down “by mutual agreement”.

New Brand Introduction

In September, Domino's launched its Chick 'N' Dip product line – which the former chief described as a “major strategic shift” for the group – and is testing it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the firm is still intending to launch it across its extensive network in 2026 as planned, it regards fried chicken as complementary to its primary pizza operations.

Board Comment

Ian Bull, the company chairman, said: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and value creation in the main pizza segment. We are focused on identifying the suitable leader to oversee the careful implementation of that growth strategy.”

Market Difficulties

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said transactions declined by one and a half percent in the Q3. In the summer, it alerted that the quick-service industry had “intensified” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the run-up to the budget and increasing labor expenses for weaker-than-expected sales and a 15% drop in half-year profits.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain revealed the closure of multiple locations a month ago, after the business behind its UK venues entered insolvency.

Wellness Efforts

Adapting to market shifts towards balanced diets, Domino's has launched reduced-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of bakes below 400 calories as well as vegan and gluten-free options. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a individual has 909 kcal.

Interim Management

Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the betting firm William Hill. It is believed that she does not want to take on the top job on a full-time basis.

She said: “The company has a several ongoing growth and operational projects that we will be concentrating on carrying out at speed.”

She added these included further work on the organization's procurement system and menu innovation, and its rewards program.

The pizza chain is also in need of a full-time chief financial officer until March 16, when a new appointee comes aboard from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. For now, Snow acts as acting financial officer.