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The chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the UK might have reached peak pizza while diversifying the chain into chicken products has been replaced after tensions with its governing body.

Leadership Transition

The former CEO is leaving after only 24 months in the top role, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the company's chief operating officer, Frampton, while the pizza giant seeks a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who worked for the company for more than two decades, had aimed to redirect Britain's biggest pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, remarking recently there was not “massive growth” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He observed poultry was the quickest rising menu item in the international market.

Board Friction

Reports indicate that there was disagreement between Rennie and the board over his approach and business vision, although the company's release said he was leaving “by mutual agreement”.

Recent Brand Launch

In September, Domino's unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which Rennie called a “significant new phase” for the company – and is trialling it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the business is still intending to launch it across its almost 1,400 stores in the coming year as planned, it regards fried chicken as a supplement for its main pizza offerings.

Board Comment

Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, stated: “Directors think that there are a number of opportunities to enhance value and value creation in our primary operations. We are focused on identifying the ideal CEO to lead the disciplined execution of that development approach.”

Market Challenges

In the latest update, Domino's, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said transactions dipped by 1.5 percent in the third quarter. In the summer, it alerted that the takeaway market had “become tougher” 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% drop in six-month income.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain disclosed the closure of dozens of outlets a recently, after the company behind its outlets entered insolvency.

Wellness Efforts

Responding to consumer trends towards balanced diets, the company has rolled out reduced-calorie products, such as its light base selection of pizzas below 400 kcal as well as vegan and gluten-free options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 kcals. A family cheese pizza has 2,171, while a individual has 909 calories.

Interim Leadership

The interim chief has been with Domino's since 2021, and was formerly with the gambling company a well-known operator. It is understood that she does not want to occupy the chief executive role long-term.

She commented: “The company has a several active growth and efficiency programs that we will be dedicated to implementing at pace.”

She said these included further work on the organization's logistics network and menu innovation, and its rewards program.

The pizza chain is also in need of a permanent finance director until March 16, when Andrea starts from the drinks company C&C Group. Until then, Richard Snow serves as temporary CFO.