🔗 Share this article Peak Pizza? Domino's Pizza Chief Executive Departs Following Move Into Fried Chicken. A boss of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the United Kingdom might have hit maximum pizza demand while broadening the company into fried chicken has been replaced after disagreements with its board. Leadership Shake-Up Rennie is departing after just two years in the top role, and will be succeeded on an acting basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant seeks a new leader. The outgoing executive, who worked for the company for over 20 years, had aimed to pivot Britain's largest pizza delivery company towards poultry-based products, commenting recently there was not “massive growth” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He observed chicken was the fastest-growing food category in the world. Board Disagreements Sources suggest that there was tension between Rennie and the governance team over his focus and direction, although Domino's release said he was stepping down “through mutual consent”. New Brand Introduction In September, the chain launched its chicken-focused offering – which the former chief referred to as a “significant new phase” for the company – and is piloting it in select stores in the North West region and the province. While the firm is still going to roll it out across its almost 1,400 stores next year as planned, it regards fried chicken as a supplement for its main pizza offerings. Board Statement Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, said: “Directors think that there are a range of possibilities to boost expansion and profitability in Domino's core business. We are concentrating on finding the suitable leader to direct the systematic rollout of that expansion plan.” Market Difficulties Earlier this month, the pizza delivery giant, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said transactions declined by 1.5% in the latest quarter. In the summer, it warned that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the lead-up to the government announcement and rising wage costs for below-target performance and a 15 percent decline in half-year profits. Other pizza operators are also struggling. Another major chain revealed the closure of 68 restaurants a last month, after the firm behind its outlets entered insolvency. Wellness Efforts Trying to keep up with consumer trends towards better nutrition, Domino's has launched light options, such as its Thin & Crispy line of bakes below 400 kcal as well as meat-free and gluten-free pizzas. A family-sized pepperoni has 2,311 calories. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a personal has 909 kcal. Acting Management Nicola Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and was formerly with the betting firm a well-known operator. It is believed that she is not seeking to occupy the top job on a full-time basis. She commented: “Our team has a multiple ongoing development and operational projects that we will be concentrating on carrying out at a rapid rate.” She said these comprised additional efforts on the company's logistics network and product development, and its loyalty scheme. Domino's is also lacking a full-time CFO until 16 March, when Andrea starts from the drinks company a well-known firm. For now, Richard Snow is interim finance chief.