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A head of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the UK might have reached peak pizza while expanding the company into poultry items has been replaced after disagreements with its board.

Executive Shake-Up

Rennie is leaving after just two years in charge, and will be replaced on an interim basis by the company's operations head, Frampton, while the pizza giant looks for a long-term chief.

Rennie, who served at Domino's for over 20 years, had attempted to pivot the UK's biggest pizza delivery company towards fried chicken, remarking in a recent interview there was not “significant expansion” left in the UK's pizza market. He observed chicken was the most rapidly expanding protein in the globe.

Board Tensions

It is understood that there was disagreement between Rennie and the governance team over his focus and business vision, although the company's official statement said he was leaving “as a joint decision”.

Recent Brand Introduction

In the autumn, the chain unveiled its poultry product line – which the former chief called a “bold new chapter” for the group – and is testing it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

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

Leadership Comment

The Domino's chair, the company chairman, commented: “The board believes that there are a range of possibilities to drive further growth and value creation in our primary operations. We are focused on finding the ideal CEO to oversee the careful implementation of that expansion plan.”

Market Challenges

Recently, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said transactions dipped by 1.5% in the third quarter. In August, it warned that the takeaway market had “become tougher” as it blamed reduced spending in the run-up to the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for weaker-than-expected sales and a 15% drop in interim earnings.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut announced the closing of 68 restaurants a month ago, after the firm behind its outlets faced financial collapse.

Wellness Efforts

Trying to keep up with consumer trends towards better nutrition, Domino's has launched light options, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of pizzas below 400 kcal as well as meat-free and gluten-free pizzas. A family-sized pepperoni has 2,311 calories. A big margherita has 2,171, while a small has 909 kcal.

Interim Management

The interim chief has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the betting firm a well-known operator. It is understood that she does not want to take on the CEO position permanently.

She commented: “Our team has a multiple ongoing growth and efficiency programs that we will be dedicated to carrying out at speed.”

She added these comprised ongoing development on the company's supply chain and menu innovation, and its customer retention initiative.

The pizza chain is also lacking a full-time finance director until the spring, when Andrea comes aboard from the drinks company C&C Group. For now, Richard Snow acts as temporary CFO.