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A head of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the UK might have reached peak pizza while expanding the chain into chicken products has been ousted after tensions with its governing body.

Executive Transition

The former CEO is leaving after only 24 months in leadership, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the company's operations head, Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a permanent CEO.

Rennie, who was with Domino's for more than two decades, had sought to redirect Britain's largest pizza delivery company towards poultry-based products, stating in a recent interview there was not “significant expansion” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He observed chicken was the most rapidly expanding menu item in the world.

Board Friction

Reports indicate that there was tension between Rennie and the board over his focus and direction, although Domino's release said he was leaving “through mutual consent”.

Recent Brand Introduction

In the autumn, Domino's unveiled its poultry brand – which the former chief called a “major strategic shift” for the company – and is piloting it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and the province.

While the firm is still going to roll it out across its almost 1,400 stores next year as intended, it regards chicken products as a supplement for its primary pizza operations.

Board Statement

Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, said: “We are confident that there are a range of possibilities to boost expansion and profitability in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing selecting the right chief executive to lead the systematic rollout of that growth strategy.”

Industry Difficulties

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said transactions declined by 1.5 percent in the latest quarter. In August, it alerted that the food delivery sector had “intensified” as it blamed economic uncertainty in the lead-up to the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for below-target performance and a significant fall in half-year profits.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain disclosed the closing of multiple locations a last month, after the business behind its outlets entered insolvency.

Health Initiatives

Adapting to market shifts towards better nutrition, Domino's has launched reduced-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy range of pizzas below 400 kcal as well as meat-free and wheat-free pizzas. A family-sized pepperoni has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a individual has 909 kcal.

Acting Management

Frampton has been with the company since the recent past, and had a background at the gambling company a well-known operator. It is believed that she is not seeking to occupy the top job long-term.

She said: “We have a multiple current growth and operational projects that we will be concentrating on executing at pace.”

She added these comprised further work on the company's supply chain and new item creation, and its customer retention initiative.

The pizza chain is also lacking a permanent CFO until 16 March, when Andrea comes aboard from the drinks company a well-known firm. Until then, Snow serves as acting financial officer.