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The boss of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the UK might have hit peak pizza while diversifying the franchise into poultry items has been replaced after disagreements with its directors.

Leadership Transition

Andrew Rennie is exiting after only 24 months in charge, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a permanent CEO.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for a substantial period, had sought to pivot Britain's biggest pizza food delivery firm towards chicken offerings, stating in a recent interview there was not “huge potential” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He noted chicken was the most rapidly expanding food category in the international market.

Board Tensions

Reports indicate that there was tension between the CEO and the board over his focus and management style, although Domino's release said he was leaving “as a joint decision”.

New Brand Launch

In the autumn, the chain introduced its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which Rennie described as a “bold new chapter” for the company – and is trialling it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England and the province.

While the firm is still intending to launch it across its almost 1,400 stores in 2026 as intended, it regards fried chicken as complementary to its primary pizza operations.

Board Comment

Bull, the company chair, said: “The board believes that there are a series of prospects to boost expansion and profitability in our primary operations. We are prioritizing finding the suitable leader to lead the disciplined execution of that development approach.”

Industry Difficulties

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said sales declined by one and a half percent in the third quarter. In August, it warned that the quick-service industry had “grown more challenging” as it attributed weaker consumer confidence in the run-up to the budget and rising wage costs for below-target performance and a 15 percent decline in six-month income.

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

Health Efforts

Responding to market shifts towards better nutrition, the company has introduced light products, such as its Thin & Crispy line of pizzas below 400 kcals as well as plant-based and wheat-free pizzas. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a personal has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and had a background at the gambling company a well-known operator. It is believed that she is not seeking to take on the CEO position long-term.

She said: “The company has a several current expansion and operational projects that we will be dedicated to implementing at pace.”

She said these involved further work on the company's logistics network and product development, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also lacking a long-term finance director until 16 March, when Andy Andrea joins from the drinks company a well-known firm. In the meantime, Richard Snow acts as interim finance chief.