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A chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the United Kingdom might have hit pizza saturation while diversifying the company into chicken products has been replaced after disagreements with its governing body.

Executive Shake-Up

Rennie is exiting after just two years in the top role, and will be succeeded on an interim basis by the organization's operations head, Frampton, while Domino's looks for a new leader.

Rennie, who was with Domino's for over 20 years, had attempted to pivot Britain's leading pizza food delivery firm towards poultry-based products, remarking in a recent interview there was not “huge potential” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He noted poultry was the fastest-growing menu item in the international market.

Governance Friction

It is understood that there was friction between the CEO and the governance team over his strategy and business vision, although Domino's announcement said he was departing “through mutual consent”.

Recent Product Launch

In the autumn, Domino's unveiled its chicken-focused offering – which the former chief called a “bold new chapter” for the company – and is testing it in over 200 locations in the North West region and the province.

While the company is still intending to launch it across its almost 1,400 stores next year as scheduled, it considers chicken products as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Board Statement

Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, stated: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and profitability in our primary operations. We are focused on finding the suitable leader to direct the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.”

Market Difficulties

In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said sales dipped by one and a half percent in the latest quarter. In the summer, it cautioned that the quick-service industry had “intensified” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the lead-up to the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a significant fall in six-month income.

Other pizza operators are also struggling. Another major chain revealed the closing of 68 restaurants a last month, after the firm behind its British operations fell into administration.

Wellness Efforts

Adapting to market shifts towards better nutrition, the company has introduced lower-calorie items, such as its light base range of bakes below 400 kcal as well as vegan and allergy-friendly options. A big pepperoni bake has over 2,300 kcal. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a personal has 909 kcal.

Interim Leadership

The interim chief has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the gambling company William Hill. It is understood that she is not seeking to occupy the CEO position long-term.

She said: “We have a several ongoing development and operational projects that we will be dedicated to executing at pace.”

She added these involved further work on the company's logistics network and new item creation, and its rewards program.

Domino's is also lacking a full-time CFO until March 16, when a new appointee joins from the drinks company a well-known firm. Until then, Richard Snow acts as temporary CFO.