🔗 Share this article

The head of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who indicated the United Kingdom might have hit maximum pizza demand while broadening the franchise into poultry items has been replaced after tensions with its directors.

Executive Transition

Rennie is departing after just two years in leadership, and will be succeeded on an acting basis by the organization's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a permanent CEO.

The outgoing executive, who was with Domino's for over 20 years, had aimed to pivot Britain's leading pizza delivery company towards fried chicken, stating in a recent interview there was not “significant expansion” left in the British pizza industry. He said poultry was the fastest-growing protein in the world.

Governance Friction

Reports indicate that there was disagreement between Rennie and the governance team over his focus and direction, although the company's release said he was stepping down “as a joint decision”.

New Brand Introduction

In the autumn, the chain introduced its Chick 'N' Dip product line – which the former chief referred to as a “significant new phase” for the group – and is testing it in 210 outlets in the North West region and the province.

While the business is still going to roll it out across its extensive network in 2026 as planned, it views fried chicken as a supplement for its main pizza offerings.

Board Comment

The Domino's chair, the Domino's chairman, said: “The board believes that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and value creation in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing finding the right chief executive to oversee the careful implementation of that development approach.”

Market Challenges

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has 13 million customers in the British Isles, said transactions fell by one and a half percent in the latest quarter. In the summer, it alerted that the food delivery sector had “grown more challenging” as it attributed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for weaker-than-expected sales and a significant fall in half-year profits.

Other pizza operators are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain revealed the closing of multiple locations a last month, after the firm behind its UK venues fell into administration.

Wellness Initiatives

Responding to market shifts towards healthier eating, Domino's has rolled out reduced-calorie products, such as its thin-crust selection of pizzas below 400 calories as well as vegan and allergy-friendly options. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 calories. A big margherita has over 2,100, while a individual has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Leadership

The interim chief has been with Domino's since 2021, and had a background at the betting firm William Hill. It is believed that she prefers not to assume the top job on a full-time basis.

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

Frampton noted these included ongoing development on the company's logistics network and menu innovation, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also without a full-time CFO until 16 March, when a new appointee comes aboard from the drinks company C&C Group. Until then, Snow serves as interim finance chief.