🔗 Share this article

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

Executive Transition

The former CEO is exiting after a brief tenure in charge, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the organization's operations head, Frampton, while Domino's seeks a new leader.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for over 20 years, had attempted to pivot Britain's leading pizza takeaway chain towards poultry-based products, stating recently there was not “huge potential” left in the UK's pizza market. He noted poultry was the fastest-growing protein in the globe.

Board Tensions

Reports indicate that there was tension between Rennie and the directors over his focus and management style, although Domino's official statement said he was leaving “through mutual consent”.

New Brand Introduction

In the autumn, the chain introduced its chicken-focused offering – which Rennie referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the organization – and is testing it in over 200 locations in the North West region and the province.

While the company is still intending to launch it across its extensive network next year as planned, it regards chicken products as complementary to its primary pizza operations.

Leadership Statement

Ian Bull, the company chairman, said: “We are confident that there are a number of opportunities to boost expansion and value creation in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing finding the suitable leader to direct the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.”

Industry Difficulties

Earlier this month, the pizza delivery giant, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said orders declined by 1.5 percent in the third quarter. In August, it alerted that the quick-service industry had “become tougher” as it attributed reduced spending in the period before the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for below-target performance and a 15% drop in interim earnings.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut revealed the closing of dozens of outlets a last month, after the firm behind its British operations fell into administration.

Health Efforts

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards better nutrition, the company has launched lower-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of bakes below 400 kcals as well as plant-based and allergy-friendly options. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 calories. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a small has 909 kcal.

Interim Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with Domino's since the recent past, and was formerly with the gaming group a well-known operator. It is understood that she is not seeking to assume the CEO position on a full-time basis.

Frampton stated: “The company has a multiple active expansion and performance initiatives that we will be focused on implementing at speed.”

Frampton noted these comprised further work on the organization's procurement system and new item creation, and its customer retention initiative.

Domino's is also lacking a permanent finance director until 16 March, when Andrea starts from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. For now, Snow acts as temporary CFO.