🔗 Share this article Peak Pizza? Domino's Leader Exits Following Shift Into Fried Chicken. The chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the UK might have hit pizza saturation while diversifying the chain into chicken products has been replaced after tensions with its governing body. Executive Shake-Up Andrew Rennie is leaving after just two years in leadership, and will be succeeded on an temporary basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a new leader. Rennie, who worked for Domino's for more than two decades, had sought to pivot the UK's largest pizza food delivery firm towards poultry-based products, commenting recently there was not “huge potential” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He observed chicken was the fastest-growing protein in the world. Board Tensions Sources suggest that there was tension between Rennie and the board over his strategy and management style, although Domino's official statement said he was stepping down “by mutual agreement”. Recent Brand Introduction In September, the chain introduced its poultry offering – which Rennie called a “significant new phase” for the group – and is testing it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland. While the firm is still planning to expand it across its extensive network next year as intended, it considers chicken products as complementary to its core pizza business. Board Comment Ian Bull, the Domino's chair, said: “The board believes that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and performance improvement in Domino's core business. We are focused on finding the right chief executive to oversee the systematic rollout of that development approach.” Market Challenges Earlier this month, the pizza delivery giant, which has 13 million customers in the British Isles, said orders fell by 1.5% in the latest quarter. In the summer, it alerted that the food delivery sector had “intensified” as it blamed reduced spending in the lead-up to the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in half-year profits. Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut announced the shutting of multiple locations a month ago, after the firm behind its outlets entered insolvency. Wellness Efforts Responding to market shifts towards balanced diets, the company has rolled out lower-calorie options, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of pizzas below 400 kcal as well as plant-based and wheat-free options. A large pepperoni pizza has over 2,300 kcal. A family cheese pizza has over 2,100, while a small has 909 calories. Interim Leadership Nicola Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and had a background at the gambling company William Hill. It is understood that she prefers not to assume the top job permanently. Frampton stated: “We have a multiple current development and performance initiatives that we will be focused on implementing at speed.” She said these comprised further work on the company's supply chain and product development, and its customer retention initiative. The pizza chain is also lacking a permanent chief financial officer until 16 March, when Andrea joins from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. Until then, Richard Snow acts as temporary CFO.