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A head of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the United Kingdom might have hit maximum pizza demand while diversifying the chain into poultry items has been removed after conflicts with its board.

Leadership Shake-Up

Rennie is exiting after only 24 months in leadership, and will be replaced on an interim basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Frampton, while Domino's seeks a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who worked for Domino's for more than two decades, had attempted to pivot Britain's biggest pizza delivery company towards poultry-based products, stating in a recent interview there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He noted poultry was the most rapidly expanding menu item in the globe.

Board Disagreements

Sources suggest that there was disagreement between the CEO and the directors over his focus and direction, although Domino's announcement said he was stepping down “as a joint decision”.

New Product Introduction

In September, Domino's unveiled its poultry product line – which Rennie described as a “bold new chapter” for the company – and is testing it in select stores in the North West region and the province.

While the business is still intending to launch it across its extensive network in the coming year as scheduled, it regards chicken products as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Leadership Statement

Ian Bull, the company chairman, said: “Directors think that there are a range of possibilities to enhance value and performance improvement in our primary operations. We are concentrating on identifying the right chief executive to oversee the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.”

Market Challenges

Earlier this month, the pizza delivery giant, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said sales fell by 1.5 percent in the latest quarter. In the summer, it warned that the takeaway market had “become tougher” as it attributed reduced spending in the lead-up to the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for below-target performance and a 15% drop in six-month income.

Competitors are also facing challenges. Another major chain disclosed the closing of dozens of outlets a recently, after the company behind its UK venues fell into administration.

Health Efforts

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards healthier eating, the company has introduced lower-calorie options, such as its light base selection of bakes below 400 kcal as well as plant-based and allergy-friendly pizzas. A family-sized pepperoni has 2,311 calories. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171, while a individual has 909 kcal.

Interim Management

Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the gambling company a well-known operator. It is understood that she is not seeking to assume the chief executive role on a full-time basis.

Frampton stated: “We have a number of current development and operational projects that we will be dedicated to executing at pace.”

Frampton noted these included ongoing development on the company's logistics network and menu innovation, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also in need of a full-time finance director until March 16, when a new appointee starts from the beverage producer C&C Group. For now, Snow is interim finance chief.