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The head of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the UK might have hit peak pizza while expanding the chain into poultry items has been removed after tensions with its governing body.

Executive Transition

Rennie is leaving after just two years in leadership, and will be succeeded on an temporary basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Frampton, while the pizza giant seeks a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for over 20 years, had attempted to shift Britain's leading pizza delivery company towards fried chicken, remarking recently there was not “massive growth” left in the UK's pizza market. He noted poultry was the most rapidly expanding food category in the international market.

Board Disagreements

It is understood that there was tension between the CEO and the governance team over his strategy and direction, although Domino's release said he was leaving “as a joint decision”.

New Product Introduction

In the autumn, the chain launched its poultry brand – which Rennie described as a “major strategic shift” for the group – and is piloting it in select stores in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the business is still intending to launch it across its almost 1,400 stores in 2026 as intended, it views chicken products as complementary to its core pizza business.

Leadership Comment

The Domino's chair, the company chair, stated: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and value creation in our primary operations. We are concentrating on identifying the suitable leader to direct the careful implementation of that development approach.”

Industry Difficulties

In the latest update, Domino's, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said sales declined by one and a half percent in the latest quarter. In the summer, it alerted that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the run-up to the budget and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a 15% drop in half-year profits.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain announced the closure of 68 restaurants a last month, after the business behind its British operations faced financial collapse.

Health Efforts

Adapting to consumer trends towards healthier eating, the company has introduced light items, such as its thin-crust selection of pizzas below 400 calories as well as vegan and wheat-free options. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 calories. A big margherita has 2,171, while a individual has 909 kcal.

Acting Management

Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and was formerly with the betting firm William Hill. It is thought that she does not want to occupy the top job permanently.

She said: “Our team has a several ongoing expansion and efficiency programs that we will be concentrating on carrying out at speed.”

She added these comprised ongoing development on the company's logistics network and menu innovation, and its customer retention initiative.

The pizza chain is also without a permanent finance director until 16 March, when Andrea starts from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. Until then, Snow acts as temporary CFO.