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The chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the UK might have hit peak pizza while broadening the chain into poultry items has been ousted after tensions with its governing body.

Leadership Shake-Up

The former CEO is departing after only 24 months in leadership, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the company's chief operating officer, Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who served at Domino's for a substantial period, had attempted to pivot Britain's leading pizza food delivery firm towards chicken offerings, stating earlier this month there was not “huge potential” left in the UK's pizza market. He observed poultry was the fastest-growing protein in the world.

Board Friction

Sources suggest that there was tension between Rennie and the board over his focus and direction, although Domino's official statement said he was stepping down “as a joint decision”.

Recent Product Launch

In the autumn, the chain unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip product line – which the former chief called a “bold new chapter” for the organization – and is testing it in select stores in the North West region and the province.

While the firm is still going to roll it out across its extensive network next year as planned, it views fried chicken as complementary to its main pizza offerings.

Leadership Statement

Ian Bull, the Domino's chair, stated: “We are confident that there are a range of possibilities to enhance value and value creation in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing finding the ideal CEO to lead the systematic rollout of that expansion plan.”

Market Difficulties

In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said transactions dipped by one and a half percent in the latest quarter. In the summer, it warned that the quick-service industry had “become tougher” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the government announcement and rising wage costs for below-target performance and a 15 percent decline in half-year profits.

Rival chains are also struggling. Pizza Hut announced the shutting of 68 restaurants a last month, after the firm behind its outlets fell into administration.

Wellness Efforts

Adapting to market shifts towards healthier eating, Domino's has introduced reduced-calorie products, such as its light base range of pizzas below 400 kcals as well as meat-free and allergy-friendly pizzas. A large pepperoni pizza has over 2,300 kcal. A big margherita has over 2,100, while a small has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Leadership

The interim chief has been with the company since 2021, and previously worked for the betting firm William Hill. It is understood that she is not seeking to assume the chief executive role long-term.

She said: “The company has a number of current growth and operational projects that we will be dedicated to executing at speed.”

Frampton noted these involved ongoing development on the organization's procurement system and menu innovation, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also lacking a long-term finance director until the spring, when a new appointee comes aboard from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. Until then, Richard Snow serves as interim finance chief.