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A chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the UK might have hit pizza saturation while broadening the company into chicken products has been ousted after disagreements with its directors.

Executive Transition

Andrew Rennie is departing after only 24 months in charge, and will be succeeded on an acting basis by the organization's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant looks for a new leader.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for a substantial period, had attempted to redirect Britain's largest pizza food delivery firm towards chicken offerings, commenting earlier this month there was not “significant expansion” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He noted poultry was the quickest rising menu item in the world.

Governance Friction

Reports indicate that there was tension between Rennie and the board over his focus and business vision, although Domino's announcement said he was departing “by mutual agreement”.

Recent Brand Launch

In the autumn, the chain introduced its poultry product line – which Rennie described as a “major strategic shift” for the company – and is trialling it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England and the province.

While the business is still intending to launch it across its extensive network next year as intended, it considers fried chicken as complementary to its core pizza business.

Board Statement

The Domino's chair, the Domino's chairman, said: “Directors think that there are a range of possibilities to boost expansion and value creation in our primary operations. We are prioritizing selecting the suitable leader to lead the careful implementation of that growth strategy.”

Industry Difficulties

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said orders declined by 1.5 percent in the Q3. In August, it alerted that the quick-service industry had “intensified” as it attributed reduced spending in the run-up to the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a 15 percent decline in six-month income.

Other pizza operators are also struggling. Pizza Hut revealed the closing of dozens of outlets a recently, after the company behind its UK venues entered insolvency.

Wellness Initiatives

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards better nutrition, Domino's has launched lower-calorie products, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of pizzas below 400 calories as well as meat-free and allergy-friendly options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 kcals. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171, while a individual has 909 kcal.

Acting Management

Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and had a background at the gambling company a well-known operator. It is believed that she is not seeking to assume the top job on a full-time basis.

Frampton stated: “Our team has a multiple ongoing development and operational projects that we will be dedicated to implementing at a rapid rate.”

She added these involved further work on the company's logistics network and product development, and its rewards program.

Domino's is also in need of a long-term CFO until the spring, when a new appointee starts from the drinks company C&C Group. For now, Richard Snow serves as acting financial officer.