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A chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the United Kingdom might have reached maximum pizza demand while diversifying the chain into chicken products has been removed after tensions with its governing body.

Executive Shake-Up

Andrew Rennie is departing after a brief tenure in the top role, and will be succeeded on an interim basis by the company's operations head, Frampton, while Domino's searches for a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who was with Domino's for more than two decades, had attempted to redirect Britain's leading pizza takeaway chain towards fried chicken, stating recently there was not “huge potential” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He said poultry was the quickest rising menu item in the globe.

Board Tensions

Sources suggest that there was friction between Rennie and the board over his strategy and management style, although Domino's announcement said he was departing “as a joint decision”.

Recent Product Introduction

In September, the chain unveiled its poultry brand – which the former chief described as a “bold new chapter” for the company – and is trialling it in 210 outlets in the North West region and Northern Ireland.

While the business is still planning to expand it across its almost 1,400 stores in 2026 as scheduled, it considers chicken products as complementary to its main pizza offerings.

Board Statement

Bull, the Domino's chair, stated: “Directors think that there are a number of opportunities to enhance value and performance improvement in our primary operations. We are focused on identifying the suitable leader to lead the disciplined execution of that expansion plan.”

Industry Challenges

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said sales dipped by 1.5 percent in the Q3. In the summer, it alerted that the food delivery sector had “grown more challenging” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the lead-up to the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a 15% drop in half-year profits.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain disclosed the closing of 68 restaurants a month ago, after the business behind its UK venues faced financial collapse.

Health Initiatives

Responding to market shifts towards balanced diets, the company has introduced light options, such as its light base range of pizzas below 400 calories as well as plant-based and wheat-free options. A big pepperoni bake has over 2,300 kcal. A family cheese pizza has over 2,100, while a personal has 909 kcal.

Acting Management

The interim chief has been with Domino's since 2021, and was formerly with the betting firm William Hill. It is believed that she is not seeking to take on the top job on a full-time basis.

Frampton stated: “The company has a number of ongoing growth and operational projects that we will be concentrating on implementing at pace.”

She said these comprised additional efforts on the company's supply chain and new item creation, and its customer retention initiative.

Domino's is also without a long-term CFO until March 16, when a new appointee joins from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. In the meantime, Snow acts as temporary CFO.