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A boss of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who indicated the UK might have reached peak pizza while expanding the company into fried chicken has been removed after disagreements with its directors.

Executive Transition

Andrew Rennie is departing after only 24 months in charge, and will be succeeded on an interim basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Frampton, while Domino's seeks a new leader.

The outgoing executive, who was with the company for a substantial period, had attempted to shift the UK's largest pizza delivery company towards chicken offerings, commenting recently there was not “significant expansion” left in the British pizza industry. He said chicken was the most rapidly expanding menu item in the globe.

Board Disagreements

Reports indicate that there was friction between the CEO and the board over his focus and management style, although Domino's official statement said he was stepping down “as a joint decision”.

Recent Product Launch

In the autumn, the chain launched its poultry product line – which the former chief referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the company – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the North West region and the province.

While the business is still intending to launch it across its almost 1,400 stores in the coming year as planned, it regards fried chicken as a supplement for its main pizza offerings.

Leadership Statement

The Domino's chair, the Domino's chairman, commented: “Directors think that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and profitability in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing selecting the suitable leader to oversee the disciplined execution of that development approach.”

Market Challenges

Recently, the pizza delivery giant, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said transactions declined by 1.5 percent in the latest quarter. In the summer, it cautioned that the takeaway market had “become tougher” as it blamed reduced spending in the period before the budget and increasing labor expenses for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in interim earnings.

Other pizza operators are also facing challenges. Pizza Hut disclosed the shutting of 68 restaurants a last month, after the business behind its outlets faced financial collapse.

Wellness Efforts

Adapting to market shifts towards balanced diets, Domino's has launched reduced-calorie products, such as its light base line of bakes below 400 kcal as well as plant-based and allergy-friendly options. A family-sized pepperoni has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has over 2,100, while a small has 909 kcal.

Interim Management

The interim chief has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the betting firm a well-known operator. It is understood that she prefers not to occupy the CEO position permanently.

She commented: “Our team has a several current development and operational projects that we will be dedicated to carrying out at a rapid rate.”

She said these comprised additional efforts on the company's procurement system and new item creation, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also lacking a long-term CFO until the spring, when Andy Andrea starts from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. Until then, Richard Snow acts as temporary CFO.