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The chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the United Kingdom might have reached peak pizza while diversifying the chain into poultry items has been replaced after disagreements with its governing body.

Leadership Transition

Rennie is departing after just two years in charge, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the company's chief operating officer, Frampton, while the pizza giant seeks a permanent CEO.

The outgoing executive, who was with the company for more than two decades, had sought to redirect the UK's biggest pizza delivery company towards poultry-based products, stating recently there was not “huge potential” left in the UK's pizza market. He noted poultry was the fastest-growing protein in the globe.

Governance Disagreements

Sources suggest that there was tension between Rennie and the directors over his approach and direction, although Domino's announcement said he was leaving “through mutual consent”.

New Brand Introduction

In the autumn, the chain unveiled its poultry product line – which the former chief described as a “significant new phase” for the organization – and is piloting it in select stores in the North West region and the province.

While the company is still planning to expand it across its extensive network in 2026 as planned, it views chicken products as complementary to its primary pizza operations.

Leadership Comment

Bull, the Domino's chair, commented: “The board believes that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and value creation in the main pizza segment. We are prioritizing selecting the ideal CEO to direct the careful implementation of that growth strategy.”

Market Difficulties

Recently, Domino's, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said transactions dipped by 1.5% in the Q3. In the summer, it alerted that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it attributed weaker consumer confidence in the run-up to the budget and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a significant fall in interim earnings.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain announced the closing of 68 restaurants a recently, after the company behind its British operations fell into administration.

Health Initiatives

Adapting to customer preferences towards better nutrition, the company has launched lower-calorie products, such as its light base selection of bakes below 400 kcal as well as vegan and gluten-free options. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a small has under 1,000 calories.

Interim Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the gaming group a well-known operator. It is believed that she is not seeking to assume the chief executive role permanently.

She commented: “Our team has a several current expansion and performance initiatives that we will be focused on executing at speed.”

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

Domino's is also lacking a permanent chief financial officer until March 16, when Andrea joins from the beverage producer a well-known firm. For now, Richard Snow acts as acting financial officer.