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A chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the UK might have reached maximum pizza demand while expanding the chain into fried chicken has been ousted after conflicts 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 organization's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's searches for a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who was with the company for a substantial period, had attempted to shift the UK's leading pizza takeaway chain towards chicken offerings, commenting in a recent interview there was not “huge potential” left in the UK's pizza market. He said poultry was the fastest-growing food category in the international market.

Board Friction

It is understood that there was friction between Rennie and the board over his focus and direction, although the company's announcement said he was stepping down “through mutual consent”.

Recent Brand Introduction

In September, the chain unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip offering – which Rennie referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the company – and is testing it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England and the province.

While the firm 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 Statement

Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, said: “Directors think that there are a number of opportunities to enhance value and profitability in the main pizza segment. We are concentrating on selecting the suitable leader to direct the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.”

Market Difficulties

Recently, Domino's, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said sales fell by 1.5% in the Q3. In the summer, it warned that the food delivery sector had “grown more challenging” as it blamed reduced spending in the lead-up to the budget and rising wage costs for disappointing revenue and a 15% drop in six-month income.

Rival chains are also struggling. Another major chain revealed the shutting of 68 restaurants a last month, after the company behind its UK venues entered insolvency.

Health Efforts

Trying to keep up with consumer trends towards better nutrition, the company has launched light items, such as its Thin & Crispy range of bakes below 400 kcals as well as meat-free and gluten-free options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 calories. A big margherita has over 2,100, while a individual has 909 calories.

Interim Leadership

Frampton has been with Domino's since the recent past, and had a background at the gambling company William Hill. It is thought that she prefers not to occupy the top job on a full-time basis.

Frampton stated: “Our team has a number of active development and operational projects that we will be dedicated to executing at pace.”

Frampton noted these included further work on the organization's logistics network and menu innovation, and its customer retention initiative.

The pizza chain is also in need of a permanent chief financial officer until March 16, when Andy Andrea starts from the beverage producer C&C Group. For now, Snow serves as temporary CFO.