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A head of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the UK might have hit peak pizza while broadening the company into poultry items has been removed after disagreements with its governing body.

Leadership Shake-Up

Rennie is leaving after just two years in the top role, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Frampton, while the pizza giant looks for a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who worked for Domino's for over 20 years, had aimed to pivot the UK's largest pizza takeaway chain towards chicken offerings, stating recently there was not “significant expansion” left in the British pizza industry. He said chicken was the most rapidly expanding protein in the international market.

Board Tensions

Sources suggest that there was friction between the CEO and the directors over his strategy and business vision, although the company's release said he was departing “as a joint decision”.

Recent Brand Introduction

In the autumn, the chain launched its Chick 'N' Dip offering – which the former chief called a “bold new chapter” for the company – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the North West region and the province.

While the company is still going to roll it out across its extensive network in 2026 as scheduled, it regards chicken products as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Leadership Statement

Ian Bull, the company chair, commented: “The board believes that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and value creation in the main pizza segment. We are prioritizing identifying the suitable leader to direct the systematic rollout of that expansion plan.”

Market Challenges

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said transactions dipped by 1.5% in the Q3. In the summer, it alerted that the takeaway market had “become tougher” as it attributed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the government announcement and rising wage costs for disappointing revenue and a significant fall in interim earnings.

Other pizza operators are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut disclosed the shutting of 68 restaurants a last month, after the company behind its UK venues fell into administration.

Wellness Initiatives

Trying to keep up with market shifts towards balanced diets, the company has launched light options, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of pizzas below 400 kcals as well as plant-based and allergy-friendly options. A big pepperoni bake has over 2,300 kcal. A large cheese and tomato pizza has over 2,100, while a small has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with Domino's since the recent past, and previously worked for the gaming group a well-known operator. It is understood that she is not seeking to assume the top job permanently.

She said: “Our team has a number of active expansion and operational projects that we will be concentrating on executing at pace.”

She said these comprised ongoing development on the company's procurement system and new item creation, and its rewards program.

The pizza chain is also without a permanent CFO until 16 March, when Andrea comes aboard from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. For now, Snow is acting financial officer.