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The chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the UK might have reached pizza saturation while diversifying the franchise into fried chicken has been replaced after tensions with its governing body.

Leadership Change

Andrew Rennie is departing after only 24 months in leadership, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the company's chief operating officer, Frampton, while Domino's seeks a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for a substantial period, had sought to pivot the UK's largest pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, remarking earlier this month there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He observed chicken was the quickest rising protein in the international market.

Board Tensions

Sources suggest that there was disagreement between the CEO and the directors over his focus and direction, although Domino's official statement said he was leaving “by mutual agreement”.

New Product Launch

In September, Domino's launched its poultry product line – which the former chief referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the organization – and is trialling it in over 200 locations in the North West region and the province.

While the firm is still going to roll it out across its extensive network in 2026 as scheduled, it considers fried chicken as a supplement for its main pizza offerings.

Leadership Comment

Ian Bull, the company chair, said: “The board believes that there are a number of opportunities to drive further growth and value creation in Domino's core business. We are focused on identifying the suitable leader to lead the disciplined execution of that expansion plan.”

Industry Difficulties

Recently, the pizza delivery giant, which has 13 million customers in the British Isles, said sales declined by 1.5 percent in the latest quarter. In the summer, it warned that the quick-service industry had “intensified” as it attributed reduced spending in the run-up to the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for weaker-than-expected sales and a significant fall in six-month income.

Competitors are also struggling. Another major chain disclosed the shutting of 68 restaurants a recently, after the firm behind its outlets faced financial collapse.

Wellness Efforts

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards healthier eating, Domino's has introduced reduced-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy range of pizzas below 400 kcal as well as vegan and wheat-free options. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a small has under 1,000 calories.

Interim Management

The interim chief has been with the company since 2021, and previously worked for the betting firm William Hill. It is thought that she does not want to take on the CEO position on a full-time basis.

She commented: “We have a multiple ongoing growth and efficiency programs that we will be concentrating on carrying out at speed.”

She added these included additional efforts on the organization's supply chain and product development, and its customer retention initiative.

The pizza chain is also in need of a full-time finance director until March 16, when Andrea joins from the drinks company a well-known firm. For now, Snow acts as acting financial officer.