🔗 Share this article Peak Pizza? Domino's Pizza Leader Steps Down After Pivot Towards Chicken. The chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who suggested the United Kingdom might have reached peak pizza while expanding the company into fried chicken has been replaced after tensions with its governing body. Leadership Change The former CEO is leaving after a brief tenure in charge, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the company's chief operating officer, Frampton, while Domino's looks for a permanent CEO. Rennie, who worked for the company for more than two decades, had attempted to pivot the UK's leading pizza food delivery firm towards fried chicken, remarking recently there was not “huge potential” left in the British pizza industry. He noted chicken was the most rapidly expanding menu item in the world. Governance Disagreements Reports indicate that there was friction between Rennie and the directors over his focus and direction, although the company's official statement said he was leaving “as a joint decision”. Recent Product Introduction In the autumn, Domino's unveiled its poultry offering – which Rennie referred to as a “bold new chapter” for the group – and is testing it in over 200 locations in the North West region and Northern Ireland. While the business is still going to roll it out across its almost 1,400 stores next year as planned, it views chicken products as complementary to its primary pizza operations. Leadership Statement Ian Bull, the company chairman, said: “Directors think that there are a number of opportunities to enhance value and value creation in Domino's core business. We are concentrating on selecting the suitable leader to oversee the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.” Market Challenges Recently, the pizza delivery giant, which has millions of users in the UK and Ireland, said sales dipped by one and a half percent in the latest quarter. In August, it cautioned that the takeaway market had “intensified” as it blamed economic uncertainty in the run-up to the budget and rising wage costs for below-target performance and a 15 percent decline in six-month income. Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain announced the closing of multiple locations a recently, after the company behind its British operations fell into administration. Health Efforts Trying to keep up with consumer trends towards balanced diets, Domino's has rolled out lower-calorie products, such as its light base range of bakes below 400 kcals as well as meat-free and allergy-friendly options. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has over 2,100, while a small has under 1,000 calories. Interim Management Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and had a background at the betting firm William Hill. It is believed that she does not want to take on the top job long-term. She commented: “We have a number of current expansion and operational projects that we will be dedicated to implementing at a rapid rate.” She said these involved ongoing development on the company's logistics network and new item creation, and its rewards program. Domino's is also in need of a permanent finance director until March 16, when a new appointee comes aboard from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. In the meantime, Snow acts as acting financial officer.