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The chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the UK might have reached pizza saturation while expanding the chain into chicken products has been replaced after disagreements with its directors.

Executive Shake-Up

Andrew Rennie is departing after a brief tenure in charge, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the organization's operations head, Frampton, while the pizza giant looks for a long-term chief.

Rennie, who was with the company for more than two decades, had aimed to pivot the UK's biggest pizza food delivery firm towards poultry-based products, stating in a recent interview there was not “huge potential” left in the UK's pizza market. He observed poultry was the most rapidly expanding protein in the international market.

Board Disagreements

Sources suggest that there was tension between the CEO and the board over his focus and management style, although the company's official statement said he was stepping down “as a joint decision”.

New Product Launch

In September, Domino's introduced its poultry brand – which the former chief described as a “major strategic shift” for the company – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the North West region and the province.

While the business is still intending to launch it across its nearly 1,400 branches in 2026 as scheduled, it regards fried chicken as an addition to its main pizza offerings.

Leadership Comment

Bull, the company chair, commented: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to boost expansion and value creation in Domino's core business. We are concentrating on finding the suitable leader to direct the systematic rollout of that development approach.”

Market Difficulties

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said sales declined by 1.5 percent in the Q3. In August, it warned that the takeaway market had “become tougher” as it attributed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the budget and increasing labor expenses for weaker-than-expected sales and a 15 percent decline in interim earnings.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain announced the closing of dozens of outlets a month ago, after the business behind its UK venues faced financial collapse.

Wellness Initiatives

Responding to market shifts towards healthier eating, the company has introduced lower-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy range of bakes below 400 kcal as well as plant-based and wheat-free pizzas. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A family cheese pizza has 2,171, while a individual has 909 kcal.

Interim Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and previously worked for the betting firm a well-known operator. It is thought that she prefers not to assume the chief executive role long-term.

She commented: “The company has a several current growth and efficiency programs that we will be dedicated to implementing at pace.”

She added these comprised additional efforts on the organization's procurement system and menu innovation, and its rewards program.

The pizza chain is also lacking a long-term CFO until the spring, when a new appointee comes aboard from the beverage producer a well-known firm. In the meantime, Richard Snow is temporary CFO.