🔗 Share this article

The head of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who indicated the UK might have hit pizza saturation while diversifying the franchise into poultry items has been replaced after conflicts with its governing body.

Executive Change

Rennie is leaving after just two years in leadership, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the company's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's looks for a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who worked for the company for over 20 years, had sought to pivot the UK's leading pizza delivery company towards fried chicken, stating recently there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He observed chicken was the fastest-growing menu item in the world.

Board Disagreements

Reports indicate that there was friction between Rennie and the board over his approach and business vision, although the company's official statement said he was departing “by mutual agreement”.

New Brand Launch

In September, Domino's unveiled its poultry brand – which Rennie referred to as a “significant new phase” for the group – and is piloting it in 210 outlets in the North West region and Northern Ireland.

While the firm is still planning to expand it across its extensive network in 2026 as intended, it regards fried chicken as a supplement for its primary pizza operations.

Board Statement

Ian Bull, the Domino's chair, said: “The board believes that there are a number of opportunities to boost expansion and profitability in Domino's core business. We are focused on finding the right chief executive to lead the systematic rollout of that growth strategy.”

Industry Difficulties

Recently, the pizza delivery giant, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said orders declined by 1.5% in the Q3. In the summer, it warned that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the lead-up to the budget and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a 15% drop in interim earnings.

Competitors are also struggling. Pizza Hut revealed the closing of dozens of outlets a last month, after the company behind its outlets faced financial collapse.

Wellness Initiatives

Adapting to consumer trends towards better nutrition, the company has launched lower-calorie options, such as its thin-crust selection of bakes below 400 kcal as well as meat-free and wheat-free options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 kcals. A family cheese pizza has over 2,100, while a individual has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Leadership

Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the gaming group a well-known operator. It is believed that she prefers not to take on the CEO position permanently.

Frampton stated: “Our team has a number of current expansion and operational projects that we will be dedicated to executing at a rapid rate.”

She said these comprised further work on the company's procurement system and product development, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also lacking a permanent finance director until March 16, when a new appointee joins from the drinks company C&C Group. Until then, Snow is temporary CFO.