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The head of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who proposed the United Kingdom might have hit maximum pizza demand while diversifying the chain into fried chicken has been ousted after conflicts with its governing body.

Executive Change

Andrew Rennie is leaving after a brief tenure in the top role, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the company's operations head, Frampton, while Domino's seeks a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who was with Domino's for over 20 years, had attempted to redirect the UK's largest pizza takeaway chain towards fried chicken, remarking in a recent interview there was not “huge potential” left in the UK's pizza market. He noted chicken was the most rapidly expanding menu item in the international market.

Board Disagreements

Sources suggest that there was tension between Rennie and the directors over his focus and management style, although the company's official statement said he was departing “as a joint decision”.

New Brand Introduction

In the autumn, the chain unveiled its chicken-focused product line – which the former chief described as a “bold new chapter” for the group – and is testing it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England and the province.

While the business is still planning to expand it across its nearly 1,400 branches next year as planned, it views chicken products as complementary to its primary pizza operations.

Leadership Statement

Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, said: “We are confident that there are a number of opportunities to boost expansion and profitability in Domino's core business. We are concentrating on identifying the right chief executive to lead the systematic rollout of that growth strategy.”

Market Difficulties

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said transactions declined by 1.5% in the latest quarter. In the summer, it alerted that the quick-service industry had “grown more challenging” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the run-up to the budget and rising wage costs for disappointing revenue and a significant fall in half-year profits.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut disclosed the shutting of dozens of outlets a recently, after the business behind its outlets fell into administration.

Health Efforts

Responding to customer preferences towards healthier eating, the company has launched reduced-calorie items, such as its thin-crust selection of bakes below 400 kcals as well as meat-free and gluten-free options. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a individual has 909 calories.

Acting Management

Nicola Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and previously worked for the betting firm a well-known operator. It is thought that she prefers not to assume the top job on a full-time basis.

Frampton stated: “We have a several active growth and operational projects that we will be dedicated to implementing at pace.”

Frampton noted these involved further work on the company's supply chain and menu innovation, and its customer retention initiative.

Domino's is also in need of a full-time chief financial officer until the spring, when Andy Andrea joins from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. For now, Snow serves as interim finance chief.