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The chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the United Kingdom might have reached peak pizza while diversifying the franchise into chicken products has been ousted after conflicts with its board.

Executive Change

Rennie is leaving after a brief tenure in the top role, and will be succeeded on an temporary basis by the company's chief operating officer, Frampton, while Domino's seeks a long-term chief.

Rennie, who was with Domino's for over 20 years, had sought to pivot Britain's biggest pizza food delivery firm towards poultry-based products, commenting recently there was not “huge potential” left in the UK's pizza market. He observed chicken was the quickest rising menu item in the globe.

Board Disagreements

Reports indicate that there was tension between the CEO and the governance team over his approach and direction, although the company's official statement said he was stepping down “by mutual agreement”.

New Brand Introduction

In September, Domino's launched its poultry offering – which the former chief called a “bold new chapter” for the group – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England and the province.

While the business is still going to roll it out across its extensive network in 2026 as scheduled, it regards chicken products as complementary to its primary pizza operations.

Board Statement

The Domino's chair, the company chair, said: “We are confident that there are a number of opportunities to boost expansion and profitability in the main pizza segment. We are prioritizing finding the suitable leader to oversee the systematic rollout of that growth strategy.”

Market Challenges

Earlier this month, the pizza delivery giant, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said orders dipped by 1.5% in the Q3. In August, it alerted that the takeaway market had “become tougher” as it blamed reduced spending in the period before the budget and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a 15 percent decline in interim earnings.

Competitors are also facing challenges. Another major chain announced the closing of multiple locations a month ago, after the business behind its UK venues fell into administration.

Wellness Initiatives

Responding to customer preferences towards healthier eating, Domino's has introduced reduced-calorie items, such as its thin-crust line of bakes below 400 calories as well as plant-based and gluten-free options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 calories. A family cheese pizza has 2,171, while a personal has under 1,000 calories.

Interim Management

Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the betting firm a well-known operator. It is believed that she is not seeking to assume the top job on a full-time basis.

She said: “The company has a number of ongoing development and operational projects that we will be concentrating on implementing at a rapid rate.”

Frampton noted these involved further work on the company's procurement system and menu innovation, and its rewards program.

Domino's is also in need of a long-term CFO until 16 March, when a new appointee comes aboard from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. In the meantime, Snow serves as temporary CFO.