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A chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the UK might have reached peak pizza while diversifying the franchise into chicken products has been removed after tensions with its board.

Executive Transition

Rennie is exiting after only 24 months in leadership, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the company's operations head, Frampton, while Domino's looks for a permanent CEO.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for over 20 years, had sought to redirect Britain's largest pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, stating recently there was not “significant expansion” left in the British pizza industry. He said chicken was the quickest rising menu item in the world.

Governance Disagreements

Reports indicate that there was tension between the CEO and the governance team over his focus and direction, although the company's official statement said he was departing “by mutual agreement”.

Recent Brand Launch

In the autumn, the chain unveiled its chicken-focused brand – which the former chief described as a “significant new phase” for the group – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England and the province.

While the business is still going to roll it out across its almost 1,400 stores in 2026 as scheduled, it regards chicken products as an addition to its primary pizza operations.

Leadership Comment

Bull, the company chair, stated: “The board believes that there are a number of opportunities to enhance value and performance improvement in our primary operations. We are focused on identifying the right chief executive to lead the careful implementation of that development approach.”

Market Challenges

Recently, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said transactions declined by 1.5% in the Q3. In August, it warned that the quick-service industry had “grown more challenging” as it attributed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the government announcement and rising wage costs for below-target performance and a 15 percent decline in six-month income.

Other pizza operators are also facing challenges. Another major chain disclosed the closing of dozens of outlets a last month, after the firm behind its British operations entered insolvency.

Wellness Efforts

Responding to market shifts towards better nutrition, the company has rolled out light options, such as its Thin & Crispy line of bakes below 400 kcals as well as meat-free and allergy-friendly options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has over 2,100, while a small has 909 kcal.

Interim Management

Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the gaming group a well-known operator. It is thought that she does not want to take on the CEO position permanently.

She said: “The company has a several ongoing development and efficiency programs that we will be dedicated to implementing at a rapid rate.”

Frampton noted these included further work on the company's logistics network and new item creation, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also lacking a long-term finance director until 16 March, when a new appointee starts from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. Until then, Richard Snow acts as acting financial officer.