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The head of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the United Kingdom might have hit maximum pizza demand while diversifying the company into fried chicken has been ousted after conflicts with its governing body.

Executive Change

Andrew Rennie is departing after just two years in the top role, and will be succeeded on an temporary basis by the company's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant seeks a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who was with the company for over 20 years, had attempted to shift Britain's leading pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, stating earlier this month there was not “huge potential” left in the UK's pizza market. He observed poultry was the most rapidly expanding food category in the globe.

Board Disagreements

Sources suggest that there was disagreement between Rennie and the board over his approach and management style, although Domino's official statement said he was leaving “through mutual consent”.

Recent Brand Introduction

In the autumn, Domino's launched its poultry brand – which the former chief described as a “bold new chapter” for the group – and is trialling it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and the province.

While the company is still going to roll it out across its almost 1,400 stores in 2026 as scheduled, it considers fried chicken as a supplement for its primary pizza operations.

Leadership Comment

Ian Bull, the company chair, stated: “We are confident that there are a range of possibilities to enhance value and profitability in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing finding the right chief executive to oversee the systematic rollout of that growth strategy.”

Industry Difficulties

In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said sales dipped by 1.5% in the Q3. In the summer, it warned that the quick-service industry had “intensified” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the run-up to the budget and rising wage costs for below-target performance and a 15% drop in interim earnings.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain announced the closing of dozens of outlets a last month, after the business behind its UK venues faced financial collapse.

Wellness Efforts

Adapting to customer preferences towards balanced diets, the company has rolled out light options, such as its Thin & Crispy line of bakes below 400 kcals as well as plant-based and allergy-friendly pizzas. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171 kcal, while a individual has under 1,000 calories.

Interim Leadership

Frampton has been with the company since the recent past, and was formerly with the gambling company William Hill. It is understood that she is not seeking to occupy the top job long-term.

She commented: “Our team has a several active development and efficiency programs that we will be concentrating on implementing at a rapid rate.”

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

Domino's is also without a permanent finance director until 16 March, when Andrea joins from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. Until then, Richard Snow is acting financial officer.