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The head of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who indicated the United Kingdom might have reached maximum pizza demand while expanding the franchise into chicken products has been replaced after tensions with its governing body.

Executive Change

The former CEO is exiting after just two years in charge, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's searches for a permanent CEO.

The outgoing executive, who was with the company for a substantial period, had aimed to pivot the UK's leading pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, stating earlier this month there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He observed poultry was the fastest-growing menu item in the international market.

Board Tensions

It is understood that there was friction between the CEO and the governance team over his strategy and management style, although the company's release said he was departing “through mutual consent”.

New Brand Launch

In the autumn, the chain introduced its chicken-focused product line – which Rennie referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the organization – and is trialling it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England 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 an addition to its main pizza offerings.

Leadership Statement

Bull, the company chair, commented: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to boost expansion and performance improvement in the main pizza segment. We are prioritizing identifying the right chief executive to direct the disciplined execution of that expansion plan.”

Industry Challenges

Earlier this month, the pizza delivery giant, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said orders dipped by 1.5% in the third quarter. In August, it warned that the quick-service industry had “intensified” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the budget and rising wage costs for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in six-month income.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut disclosed the shutting of 68 restaurants a month ago, after the firm behind its UK venues faced financial collapse.

Health Efforts

Responding to customer preferences towards healthier eating, the company has introduced reduced-calorie items, such as its thin-crust selection of bakes below 400 kcals as well as vegan and allergy-friendly options. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171 kcal, while a small has 909 kcal.

Interim Leadership

The interim chief has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the gaming group William Hill. It is understood that she is not seeking to occupy the chief executive role on a full-time basis.

She commented: “Our team has a multiple current growth and performance initiatives that we will be concentrating on implementing at a rapid rate.”

She added these comprised additional efforts on the company's logistics network and menu innovation, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also in need of a long-term CFO until the spring, when Andy Andrea comes aboard from the drinks company a well-known firm. Until then, Snow serves as temporary CFO.