🔗 Share this article

The boss of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the UK might have reached maximum pizza demand while broadening the company into chicken products has been replaced after disagreements with its governing body.

Executive Shake-Up

The former CEO is leaving after just two years in leadership, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the company's chief operating officer, Frampton, while Domino's looks for a permanent CEO.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for more than two decades, had aimed to redirect the UK's biggest pizza delivery company towards chicken offerings, remarking earlier this month there was not “huge potential” left in the British pizza industry. He observed poultry was the fastest-growing protein in the globe.

Board Tensions

Reports indicate that there was disagreement between Rennie and the governance team over his approach and management style, although the company's announcement said he was leaving “through mutual consent”.

Recent Product Launch

In the autumn, Domino's launched its Chick 'N' Dip offering – which the former chief described as a “major strategic shift” for the group – and is trialling it in select stores in the North West region and the province.

While the company is still planning to expand it across its nearly 1,400 branches next year as intended, it regards fried chicken as an addition to its main pizza offerings.

Leadership Comment

Bull, the company chairman, stated: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and profitability in the main pizza segment. We are prioritizing selecting the suitable leader to direct the systematic rollout of that growth strategy.”

Market Difficulties

In the latest update, Domino's, which has 13 million customers in the British Isles, said transactions fell by 1.5% in the latest quarter. In August, it alerted that the food delivery sector had “become tougher” as it attributed reduced spending in the lead-up to the budget and higher payroll outlays for weaker-than-expected sales and a 15 percent decline in half-year profits.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain announced the closing of dozens of outlets a month ago, after the business behind its British operations faced financial collapse.

Wellness Initiatives

Adapting to customer preferences towards healthier eating, the company has launched light items, such as its Thin & Crispy range of bakes below 400 kcal as well as plant-based and wheat-free options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 calories. A big margherita has 2,171, while a individual has 909 kcal.

Acting Leadership

Frampton has been with Domino's since the recent past, and had a background at the gambling company William Hill. It is believed that she prefers not to occupy the top job permanently.

She commented: “We have a multiple active growth and operational projects that we will be concentrating on carrying out at pace.”

She added these comprised additional efforts on the company's procurement system and menu innovation, and its customer retention initiative.

Domino's is also lacking a long-term finance director until March 16, when Andrea joins from the beverage producer C&C Group. For now, Richard Snow is acting financial officer.