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A chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the UK might have hit peak pizza while broadening the franchise into poultry items has been removed after tensions with its directors.

Leadership Transition

The former CEO is leaving after just two years in charge, and will be succeeded on an temporary basis by the organization's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a long-term chief.

Rennie, who worked for Domino's for a substantial period, had sought to redirect the UK's largest pizza takeaway chain towards poultry-based products, stating in a recent interview there was not “significant expansion” left in the British pizza industry. He noted poultry was the fastest-growing food category in the international market.

Board Tensions

Sources suggest that there was disagreement between Rennie and the governance team over his approach and management style, although the company's official statement said he was stepping down “as a joint decision”.

Recent Product Introduction

In September, Domino's launched its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which the former chief called a “bold new chapter” for the group – and is piloting it in select stores in the north-west of England and the province.

While the business is still going to roll it out across its nearly 1,400 branches in 2026 as scheduled, it regards fried chicken as an addition to its primary pizza operations.

Leadership Statement

Ian Bull, the company chairman, commented: “The board believes that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and performance improvement in Domino's core business. We are concentrating on identifying the ideal CEO to lead the systematic rollout of that development approach.”

Market Challenges

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has millions of users in the UK and Ireland, said sales declined by 1.5 percent in the third quarter. In August, it alerted that the food delivery sector had “become tougher” as it attributed reduced spending in the lead-up to the budget and rising wage costs for below-target performance and a 15% drop in interim earnings.

Competitors are also facing challenges. Another major chain revealed the closing of 68 restaurants a month ago, after the firm behind its outlets fell into administration.

Wellness Initiatives

Responding to consumer trends towards healthier eating, Domino's has introduced reduced-calorie products, such as its light base selection of pizzas below 400 calories as well as meat-free and wheat-free pizzas. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A big margherita has 2,171, while a small has 909 kcal.

Interim Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the gambling company William Hill. It is understood that she prefers not to assume the chief executive role on a full-time basis.

She said: “We have a number of active development and efficiency programs that we will be focused on carrying out at a rapid rate.”

Frampton noted these comprised additional efforts on the company's logistics network and product development, and its loyalty scheme.

Domino's is also lacking a long-term CFO until the spring, when Andy Andrea starts from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. In the meantime, Richard Snow is acting financial officer.