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The chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who indicated the UK might have hit pizza saturation while diversifying the chain into poultry items has been removed after tensions with its governing body.

Leadership Shake-Up

Andrew Rennie is departing after a brief tenure in charge, and will be succeeded on an acting basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant seeks a new leader.

Rennie, who worked for the company for a substantial period, had aimed to pivot the UK's biggest pizza takeaway chain towards fried chicken, remarking earlier this month there was not “significant expansion” left in the UK's pizza market. He noted chicken was the fastest-growing food category in the international market.

Board Disagreements

Sources suggest that there was disagreement between Rennie and the board over his strategy and business vision, although the company's announcement said he was departing “through mutual consent”.

New Product Introduction

In September, the chain unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which the former chief described as a “significant new phase” for the organization – and is testing it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and the province.

While the firm is still planning to expand it across its extensive network in 2026 as intended, it considers fried chicken as a supplement for its primary pizza operations.

Board Statement

Ian Bull, the Domino's chair, stated: “We are confident that there are a range of possibilities to enhance value and value creation in Domino's core business. We are focused on identifying the right chief executive to direct the disciplined execution of that expansion plan.”

Market Difficulties

In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said sales declined by 1.5% in the third quarter. In August, it cautioned that the food delivery sector had “become tougher” as it attributed weaker consumer confidence in the lead-up to the budget and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a 15% drop in half-year profits.

Other pizza operators are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain announced the closing of dozens of outlets a month ago, after the business behind its UK venues entered insolvency.

Health Efforts

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards healthier eating, the company has rolled out lower-calorie products, such as its thin-crust range of pizzas below 400 kcals as well as meat-free and allergy-friendly options. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A family cheese pizza has 2,171, while a individual has 909 calories.

Acting Leadership

Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the gambling company William Hill. It is believed that she prefers not to assume the top job on a full-time basis.

She said: “Our team has a several active growth and performance initiatives that we will be dedicated to carrying out at a rapid rate.”

Frampton noted these comprised further work on the company's logistics network and menu innovation, and its customer retention initiative.

The pizza chain is also without a long-term CFO until March 16, when Andy Andrea joins from the beverage producer a well-known firm. Until then, Richard Snow serves as acting financial officer.