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The head of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the UK might have reached peak pizza while expanding the franchise into chicken products has been removed after conflicts with its directors.

Leadership Shake-Up

Andrew Rennie is exiting after just two years in the top role, and will be replaced on an interim basis by the organization's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who was with the company for over 20 years, had attempted to shift the UK's biggest pizza food delivery firm towards poultry-based products, commenting recently there was not “significant expansion” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He observed poultry was the fastest-growing menu item in the international market.

Governance Friction

Sources suggest that there was disagreement between Rennie and the board over his strategy and business vision, although the company's release said he was leaving “through mutual consent”.

Recent Product Launch

In September, the chain introduced its Chick 'N' Dip product line – 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 region and Northern Ireland.

While the firm is still planning to expand it across its almost 1,400 stores in 2026 as scheduled, it regards fried chicken as an addition to its main pizza offerings.

Leadership Comment

The Domino's chair, the company chairman, stated: “Directors think that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and performance improvement in our primary operations. We are concentrating on identifying the suitable leader to lead the systematic rollout of that growth strategy.”

Industry Challenges

Recently, the pizza delivery giant, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said orders declined by one and a half percent in the Q3. In August, it alerted that the food delivery sector had “become tougher” as it attributed reduced spending in the run-up to the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a significant fall in six-month income.

Rival chains are also struggling. Another major chain announced the closing of dozens of outlets a last month, after the firm behind its British operations faced financial collapse.

Wellness Efforts

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards balanced diets, the company has rolled out lower-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy line of bakes below 400 calories as well as vegan and allergy-friendly options. A family-sized pepperoni has 2,311 kcals. A family cheese pizza has 2,171, while a individual has 909 kcal.

Interim Leadership

Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the betting firm William Hill. It is believed that she does not want to occupy the CEO position on a full-time basis.

She commented: “The company has a number of active development and efficiency programs that we will be focused on carrying out at speed.”

Frampton noted these comprised ongoing development on the company's logistics network and new item creation, and its rewards program.

The pizza chain is also lacking a full-time finance director until March 16, when a new appointee comes aboard from the drinks company a well-known firm. In the meantime, Snow serves as acting financial officer.