Peak Pizza? Domino's Pizza Chief Executive Departs After Move Into Fried Chicken.

A chief executive of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the United Kingdom might have reached peak pizza while broadening the chain into chicken products has been ousted after conflicts with its board.

Executive Shake-Up

Andrew Rennie is leaving after only 24 months in leadership, and will be replaced on an interim basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's looks for a new leader.

Rennie, who served at the company for a substantial period, had attempted to shift the UK's leading pizza delivery company towards poultry-based products, commenting in a recent interview there was not “significant expansion” left in the UK's pizza market. He noted chicken was the fastest-growing menu item in the world.

Board Friction

Sources suggest that there was tension between Rennie and the board over his strategy and business vision, although Domino's announcement said he was leaving “as a joint decision”.

New Product Launch

In September, Domino's introduced its poultry brand – which Rennie referred to as a “significant new phase” for the organization – and is piloting it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the company is still going to roll it out across its extensive network in 2026 as intended, it regards fried chicken as an addition to its core pizza business.

Board Statement

The Domino's chair, the company chairman, said: “Directors think that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and profitability in Domino's core business. We are focused on finding the ideal CEO to direct the careful implementation of that growth strategy.”

Market Challenges

In the latest update, Domino's, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said sales fell by 1.5 percent in the Q3. In August, it cautioned that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it blamed reduced spending in the lead-up to the budget and rising wage costs for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in six-month income.

Rival chains are also facing challenges. Another major chain revealed the closing of 68 restaurants a recently, after the company behind its UK venues faced financial collapse.

Wellness Initiatives

Adapting to customer preferences towards healthier eating, the company has launched reduced-calorie products, such as its thin-crust range of bakes below 400 calories as well as meat-free and gluten-free pizzas. A large pepperoni pizza has over 2,300 kcal. A family cheese pizza has over 2,100, while a personal has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Management

The interim chief has been with Domino's since 2021, and previously worked for the gambling company William Hill. It is believed that she prefers not to occupy the chief executive role long-term.

She commented: “Our team has a several active growth and performance initiatives that we will be focused on executing at a rapid rate.”

She said these included ongoing development on the company's supply chain and menu innovation, and its rewards program.

Domino's is also without a full-time finance director until March 16, when Andy Andrea starts from the drinks company C&C Group. For now, Richard Snow is temporary CFO.

Lynn Richmond
Lynn Richmond

A passionate gamer and tech writer with over a decade of experience in reviewing games and sharing insights on gaming culture.