🔗 Share this article Peak Pizza? Domino's CEO Exits Following Shift Into Fried Chicken. A chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the United Kingdom might have reached pizza saturation while expanding the company into chicken products has been replaced after disagreements with its board. Leadership Transition The former CEO is exiting after only 24 months in leadership, and will be replaced on an interim basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a long-term chief. The outgoing executive, who was with the company for more than two decades, had sought to shift the UK's biggest pizza delivery company towards fried chicken, remarking earlier this month there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He observed chicken was the fastest-growing menu item in the international market. Board Tensions It is understood that there was disagreement between Rennie and the governance team over his focus and direction, although Domino's release said he was stepping down “as a joint decision”. New Brand Launch In the autumn, the chain introduced its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which the former chief described as a “significant new phase” for the group – and is trialling it in over 200 locations in the North West region and Northern Ireland. While the company is still planning to expand it across its nearly 1,400 branches next year as planned, it views fried chicken as a supplement for its core pizza business. Board Comment Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, said: “Directors think that there are a number of opportunities to drive further growth and performance improvement in Domino's core business. We are focused on identifying the suitable leader to oversee the careful implementation of that development approach.” Industry Challenges Earlier this month, Domino's, which has 13 million customers in the UK and Ireland, said orders declined by one and a half percent in the latest quarter. In August, it cautioned that the quick-service industry had “grown more challenging” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for weaker-than-expected sales and a 15% drop in half-year profits. Other pizza operators are also experiencing difficulties. Another major chain disclosed the shutting of dozens of outlets a recently, after the company behind its outlets faced financial collapse. Wellness Initiatives Adapting to customer preferences towards better nutrition, Domino's has introduced light options, such as its light base line of pizzas below 400 kcal as well as plant-based and gluten-free pizzas. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 calories. A family cheese pizza has 2,171, while a personal has 909 kcal. Acting Leadership The interim chief has been with the company since the recent past, and previously worked for the betting firm William Hill. It is understood that she is not seeking to occupy the chief executive role on a full-time basis. She commented: “We have a multiple active development and efficiency programs that we will be concentrating on carrying out at a rapid rate.” Frampton noted these comprised additional efforts on the company's supply chain and product development, and its rewards program. Domino's is also lacking a full-time chief financial officer until 16 March, when Andy Andrea comes aboard from the beverage producer a well-known firm. Until then, Snow acts as acting financial officer.