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A boss of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the United Kingdom might have hit pizza saturation while diversifying the company into fried chicken has been replaced after conflicts with its directors.

Executive Transition

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

The outgoing executive, who served at Domino's for a substantial period, had sought to shift Britain's biggest pizza takeaway chain towards fried chicken, stating earlier this month there was not “significant expansion” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He observed poultry was the fastest-growing protein in the international market.

Governance Disagreements

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

New Brand Launch

In September, Domino's unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which the former chief called a “significant new phase” for the organization – and is trialling it in over 200 locations in the North West region and the province.

While the business is still intending to launch it across its almost 1,400 stores in 2026 as scheduled, it considers chicken products as an addition to its core pizza business.

Board Statement

Ian Bull, the company chair, stated: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and value creation in our primary operations. We are concentrating on selecting the ideal CEO to direct the systematic rollout of that expansion plan.”

Industry Challenges

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said sales fell by 1.5% in the latest quarter. In the summer, it cautioned that the takeaway market had “intensified” as it blamed economic uncertainty in the lead-up to the government announcement and rising wage costs for weaker-than-expected sales and a 15 percent decline in interim earnings.

Competitors are also struggling. Another major chain revealed the closure of dozens of outlets a month ago, after the business behind its British operations entered insolvency.

Wellness Initiatives

Responding to consumer trends towards better nutrition, the company has introduced lower-calorie items, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of pizzas below 400 kcals as well as plant-based and wheat-free pizzas. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 calories. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171 kcal, while a personal has 909 calories.

Acting Management

The interim chief has been with the company since 2021, and had a background at the gambling company William Hill. It is thought that she is not seeking to assume the CEO position long-term.

Frampton stated: “We have a multiple current growth and efficiency programs that we will be focused on carrying out at pace.”

Frampton noted these comprised further work on the organization's procurement system and product development, and its rewards program.

The pizza chain is also without a full-time finance director until 16 March, when a new appointee starts from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. For now, Snow acts as temporary CFO.