🔗 Share this article

The head of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the United Kingdom might have hit maximum pizza demand while expanding the franchise into fried chicken has been ousted after tensions with its directors.

Executive Change

Rennie is exiting after only 24 months in leadership, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the organization's operations head, Frampton, while Domino's seeks a new leader.

The outgoing executive, who served at the company for over 20 years, had attempted to redirect Britain's biggest pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, stating earlier this month there was not “massive growth” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He said chicken was the fastest-growing protein in the international market.

Governance Disagreements

Reports indicate that there was friction between the CEO and the directors over his strategy and direction, although the company's official statement said he was departing “as a joint decision”.

New Brand Launch

In the autumn, the chain introduced its poultry product line – which Rennie referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the group – and is testing it in 210 outlets in the North West region and Northern Ireland.

While the firm is still intending to launch it across its extensive network in 2026 as scheduled, it views chicken products as complementary to its core pizza business.

Leadership Statement

Bull, the company chairman, commented: “Directors think that there are a range of possibilities to drive further growth and value creation in Domino's core business. We are concentrating on selecting the right chief executive to direct the careful implementation of that growth strategy.”

Market Difficulties

Recently, the pizza delivery giant, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said orders dipped by one and a half percent in the third quarter. In August, it alerted that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it attributed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for weaker-than-expected sales and a 15 percent decline in six-month income.

Other pizza operators are also facing challenges. Another major chain revealed the closing of multiple locations a last month, after the business behind its outlets fell into administration.

Health Efforts

Adapting to consumer trends towards better nutrition, the company has rolled out light items, such as its light base line of bakes below 400 kcals as well as vegan and wheat-free options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 calories. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171, while a personal has 909 kcal.

Acting Leadership

The interim chief has been with Domino's since 2021, and had a background at the gambling company William Hill. It is thought that she is not seeking to take on the top job on a full-time basis.

Frampton stated: “We have a multiple ongoing growth and operational projects that we will be dedicated to carrying out at pace.”

Frampton noted these included further work on the organization's procurement system and menu innovation, and its customer retention initiative.

Domino's is also without a long-term finance director until 16 March, when a new appointee joins from the beverage producer C&C Group. For now, Richard Snow acts as interim finance chief.