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A head of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the United Kingdom might have reached maximum pizza demand while diversifying the franchise into chicken products has been removed after disagreements with its board.

Leadership Transition

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

Rennie, who worked for the company for over 20 years, had sought to redirect the UK's biggest pizza delivery company towards poultry-based products, remarking earlier this month there was not “huge potential” left in the British pizza industry. He said poultry was the quickest rising menu item in the world.

Board Disagreements

It is understood that there was friction between Rennie and the directors over his strategy and management style, although Domino's official statement said he was departing “by mutual agreement”.

Recent Brand Introduction

In the autumn, Domino's launched its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which the former chief described as a “significant new phase” for the company – and is piloting it in 210 outlets in the North West region and the province.

While the firm is still planning to expand it across its almost 1,400 stores next year as intended, it considers fried chicken as a supplement for its main pizza offerings.

Leadership Comment

Ian Bull, the company chair, said: “Directors think that there are a range of possibilities to drive further growth and value creation in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing selecting the right chief executive to direct the careful implementation of that expansion plan.”

Industry Difficulties

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said sales declined by 1.5% in the Q3. In August, it cautioned that the takeaway market had “become tougher” as it attributed weaker consumer confidence in the run-up to the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a 15% drop in six-month income.

Competitors are also facing challenges. Pizza Hut revealed the closing of multiple locations a recently, after the company behind its outlets fell into administration.

Wellness Initiatives

Trying to keep up with consumer trends towards better nutrition, Domino's has introduced reduced-calorie products, such as its light base line of bakes below 400 calories as well as vegan and gluten-free options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 calories. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171 kcal, while a personal has 909 kcal.

Interim Management

The interim chief has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the gambling company a well-known operator. It is believed that she does not want to assume the CEO position long-term.

Frampton stated: “We have a several ongoing development and efficiency programs that we will be dedicated to carrying out at a rapid rate.”

She said these included further work on the organization's procurement system and menu innovation, and its rewards program.

The pizza chain is also in need of a permanent chief financial officer until March 16, when Andrea comes aboard from the drinks company a well-known firm. For now, Snow acts as interim finance chief.