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The chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who proposed the UK might have hit maximum pizza demand while broadening the company into fried chicken has been removed after conflicts with its governing body.

Leadership Transition

Rennie is exiting after only 24 months in leadership, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a new leader.

The outgoing executive, who was with Domino's for a substantial period, had aimed to pivot the UK's leading pizza delivery company towards chicken offerings, stating earlier this month there was not “huge potential” left in the British pizza industry. He observed poultry was the most rapidly expanding food category in the world.

Board Disagreements

Reports indicate that there was tension between Rennie and the governance team over his strategy and management style, although the company's official statement said he was leaving “as a joint decision”.

Recent Brand Launch

In the autumn, Domino's unveiled its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which Rennie described as a “bold new chapter” for the company – and is trialling it in select stores in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the business is still intending to launch it across its nearly 1,400 branches next year as scheduled, it considers chicken products as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Leadership Statement

The Domino's chair, the company chair, stated: “We are confident that there are a range of possibilities to enhance value and profitability in our primary operations. We are focused on selecting the ideal CEO to oversee the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.”

Market Difficulties

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said transactions dipped by 1.5 percent in the Q3. In the summer, it alerted that the food delivery sector had “grown more challenging” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the lead-up to the budget and higher payroll outlays for below-target performance and a 15 percent decline in interim earnings.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain disclosed the shutting of dozens of outlets a month ago, after the company behind its outlets fell into administration.

Health Initiatives

Trying to keep up with market shifts towards better nutrition, Domino's has introduced reduced-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of bakes below 400 kcals as well as meat-free and wheat-free pizzas. A large pepperoni pizza has over 2,300 kcal. A large cheese and tomato pizza has over 2,100, while a personal has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Management

Nicola Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the gambling company a well-known operator. It is thought that she prefers not to occupy the chief executive role on a full-time basis.

She said: “The company has a several ongoing development and performance initiatives that we will be dedicated to implementing at a rapid rate.”

She added these included ongoing development on the organization's supply chain and product development, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also in need of a long-term CFO until 16 March, when Andy Andrea comes aboard from the beverage producer a well-known firm. For now, Richard Snow serves as temporary CFO.