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The chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who indicated the United Kingdom might have reached peak pizza while broadening the franchise into chicken products has been ousted after disagreements with its governing body.

Executive Shake-Up

Rennie is departing after only 24 months in the top role, and will be succeeded on an acting 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 the company for over 20 years, had aimed to pivot the UK's largest pizza delivery company towards chicken offerings, remarking recently there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He said chicken was the quickest rising protein in the world.

Board Friction

Sources suggest that there was friction between Rennie and the board over his strategy and direction, although the company's announcement said he was departing “as a joint decision”.

Recent Product Introduction

In September, Domino's unveiled its chicken-focused brand – which the former chief referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the group – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the North West region and Northern Ireland.

While the company is still planning to expand it across its extensive network in 2026 as scheduled, it regards chicken products as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Leadership Comment

Bull, the Domino's chair, commented: “Directors think that there are a number of opportunities to enhance value and profitability in our primary operations. We are focused on identifying the suitable leader to direct the systematic rollout of that growth strategy.”

Market Challenges

In the latest update, the pizza delivery giant, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said orders declined by 1.5 percent in the latest quarter. In the summer, it cautioned that the food delivery sector had “become tougher” as it blamed economic uncertainty in the run-up to the budget and higher payroll outlays for below-target performance and a 15 percent decline in half-year profits.

Rival chains are also facing challenges. Pizza Hut announced the closure of dozens of outlets a last month, after the firm behind its UK venues faced financial collapse.

Wellness Initiatives

Responding to consumer trends towards balanced diets, the company has introduced lower-calorie options, such as its thin-crust selection of pizzas below 400 calories as well as meat-free and allergy-friendly options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 kcals. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171, while a small has 909 calories.

Interim Management

Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and had a background at the gambling company William Hill. It is believed that she is not seeking to take on the CEO position long-term.

Frampton stated: “We have a several active expansion and performance initiatives that we will be dedicated to carrying out at speed.”

Frampton noted these comprised further work on the company's supply chain and new item creation, and its rewards program.

Domino's is also in need of a permanent CFO until 16 March, when Andy Andrea comes aboard from the drinks company C&C Group. For now, Richard Snow serves as temporary CFO.