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A chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the UK might have hit pizza saturation while expanding the company into fried chicken has been replaced after disagreements with its directors.

Executive Transition

The former CEO is exiting after only 24 months in leadership, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the company's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's looks for a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who served at the company for over 20 years, had attempted to redirect Britain's leading pizza delivery company towards fried chicken, commenting in a recent interview there was not “massive growth” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He noted poultry was the fastest-growing protein in the international market.

Governance Tensions

It is understood that there was tension between Rennie and the governance team over his approach and management style, although the company's announcement said he was departing “through mutual consent”.

Recent Brand Introduction

In September, the chain introduced its chicken-focused brand – which the former chief called a “significant new phase” for the organization – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the North West region and the province.

While the firm is still intending to launch it across its nearly 1,400 branches in 2026 as scheduled, it considers chicken products as a supplement for its primary pizza operations.

Board Comment

Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, commented: “Directors think that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and performance improvement in the main pizza segment. We are focused on finding the right chief executive to oversee the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.”

Industry Challenges

In the latest update, Domino's, which has 13 million customers in the British Isles, said sales fell by one and a half percent in the Q3. In August, it warned that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it attributed reduced spending in the lead-up to the budget and increasing labor expenses for disappointing revenue and a 15% drop in interim earnings.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain revealed the shutting of multiple locations a month ago, after the company behind its British operations fell into administration.

Wellness Initiatives

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards healthier eating, the company has launched reduced-calorie items, such as its light base selection of pizzas below 400 kcals as well as vegan and allergy-friendly pizzas. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 kcals. A large cheese and tomato pizza has over 2,100, while a individual has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with the company since the recent past, and was formerly with the betting firm William Hill. It is thought that she prefers not to occupy the CEO position on a full-time basis.

She said: “We have a number of ongoing growth and operational projects that we will be dedicated to implementing at a rapid rate.”

She added these involved additional efforts on the organization's supply chain and product development, and its loyalty scheme.

Domino's is also without a permanent finance director until 16 March, when Andy Andrea comes aboard from the drinks company a well-known firm. Until then, Snow serves as acting financial officer.