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The head of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the UK might have reached peak pizza while expanding the franchise into chicken products has been replaced after disagreements with its governing body.

Executive Transition

Andrew Rennie is exiting after just two years in the top role, and will be succeeded on an interim basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's searches for a permanent CEO.

The outgoing executive, who worked for the company for a substantial period, had sought to redirect the UK's leading pizza delivery company towards chicken offerings, commenting in a recent interview there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He noted chicken was the fastest-growing protein in the international market.

Governance Friction

Sources suggest that there was friction between Rennie and the governance team over his focus and business vision, although the company's announcement said he was leaving “through mutual consent”.

New Brand Introduction

In September, the chain unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip offering – which Rennie described as a “bold new chapter” for the organization – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the North West region and Northern Ireland.

While the company is still planning to expand it across its almost 1,400 stores in 2026 as intended, it regards fried chicken as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Leadership Statement

Bull, the company chair, said: “We are confident that there are a number of opportunities to boost expansion and profitability in our primary operations. We are focused on selecting the suitable leader to lead the systematic rollout of that development approach.”

Industry Difficulties

In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said orders dipped by 1.5% in the Q3. In August, it cautioned that the takeaway market had “intensified” as it attributed reduced spending in the lead-up to the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for weaker-than-expected sales and a significant fall in half-year profits.

Competitors are also facing challenges. Pizza Hut announced the shutting of multiple locations a month ago, after the company behind its British operations entered insolvency.

Wellness Initiatives

Trying to keep up with market shifts towards better nutrition, Domino's has introduced lower-calorie options, such as its light base line of bakes below 400 kcal as well as plant-based and wheat-free options. A large pepperoni pizza has over 2,300 kcal. A big margherita has 2,171, while a individual has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Management

The interim chief has been with the company since 2021, and previously worked for the gaming group a well-known operator. It is believed that she does not want to occupy the top job on a full-time basis.

She said: “Our team has a multiple active expansion and performance initiatives that we will be dedicated to carrying out at a rapid rate.”

She added these included further work on the company's supply chain and menu innovation, and its loyalty scheme.

Domino's is also without a permanent CFO until the spring, when a new appointee comes aboard from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. In the meantime, Snow serves as acting financial officer.