🔗 Share this article

A boss of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who indicated the United Kingdom might have hit peak pizza while expanding the company into poultry items has been replaced after tensions with its directors.

Leadership Transition

The former CEO is departing after just two years in leadership, and will be succeeded on an acting basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant seeks a new leader.

The outgoing executive, who served at the company for more than two decades, had attempted to pivot the UK's biggest pizza food delivery firm towards poultry-based products, remarking earlier this month there was not “significant expansion” left in the UK's pizza market. He said chicken was the quickest rising protein in the world.

Board Disagreements

Reports indicate that there was tension between Rennie and the board over his strategy and direction, although the company's official statement said he was stepping down “through mutual consent”.

New Brand Launch

In September, the chain unveiled its poultry brand – which the former chief described as a “significant new phase” for the organization – and is trialling it in select stores in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the firm is still intending to launch it across its extensive network in the coming year as intended, it views chicken products as a supplement for its primary pizza operations.

Leadership Statement

Bull, the company chair, said: “The board believes that there are a number of opportunities to boost expansion and profitability in our primary operations. We are focused on finding the ideal CEO to lead the disciplined execution of that development approach.”

Industry Difficulties

In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said orders fell by 1.5% in the third quarter. In the summer, it warned that the takeaway market had “intensified” as it attributed reduced spending in the lead-up to the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for below-target performance and a significant fall in half-year profits.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut announced the closing of multiple locations a month ago, after the business behind its British operations fell into administration.

Health Efforts

Trying to keep up with market shifts towards healthier eating, the company has launched light items, such as its Thin & Crispy range of pizzas below 400 kcal 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 kcal, while a individual has 909 calories.

Acting Management

Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the betting firm a well-known operator. It is thought that she is not seeking to assume the CEO position long-term.

Frampton stated: “We have a multiple current growth and operational projects that we will be concentrating on carrying out at speed.”

She added these involved additional efforts on the company's logistics network and menu innovation, and its customer retention initiative.

The pizza chain is also lacking a permanent chief financial officer until the spring, when a new appointee joins from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. For now, Richard Snow serves as interim finance chief.