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A boss of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the United Kingdom might have hit pizza saturation while expanding the company into poultry items has been removed after tensions with its governing body.

Leadership Shake-Up

The former CEO is leaving after only 24 months in the top role, and will be succeeded on an interim basis by the company's chief operating officer, Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a long-term chief.

Rennie, who worked for Domino's for over 20 years, had sought to redirect the UK's leading pizza delivery company towards fried chicken, remarking recently there was not “huge potential” left in the British pizza industry. He said poultry was the fastest-growing protein in the globe.

Board Friction

It is understood that there was friction between the CEO and the board over his approach and management style, although the company's announcement said he was departing “by mutual agreement”.

Recent Brand Launch

In September, Domino's introduced its Chick 'N' Dip offering – which the former chief described as a “bold new chapter” for the company – and is testing it in select stores in the North West region and Northern Ireland.

While the firm is still going to roll it out across its extensive network in the coming year as intended, it regards chicken products as complementary to its core pizza business.

Leadership Comment

Ian Bull, the company chair, said: “The board believes that there are a range of possibilities to drive further growth and profitability in Domino's core business. We are prioritizing selecting the ideal CEO to oversee the careful implementation of that growth strategy.”

Industry Challenges

Earlier this month, the pizza delivery giant, which has millions of users in the UK and Ireland, said transactions fell by one and a half percent in the Q3. In August, it cautioned that the takeaway market had “become tougher” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the run-up to the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in six-month income.

Competitors are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut disclosed the shutting of multiple locations a last month, after the business behind its outlets entered insolvency.

Wellness Initiatives

Trying to keep up with consumer trends towards balanced diets, Domino's has rolled out reduced-calorie products, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of pizzas below 400 calories 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 under 1,000 calories.

Interim Management

Frampton has been with Domino's since the recent past, and previously worked for the gambling company a well-known operator. It is thought that she prefers not to occupy the chief executive role permanently.

Frampton stated: “The company has a number of current development and performance initiatives that we will be focused on implementing at a rapid rate.”

Frampton noted these involved additional efforts on the organization's procurement system and menu innovation, and its rewards program.

Domino's is also lacking a full-time CFO until 16 March, when a new appointee joins from the drinks company a well-known firm. For now, Richard Snow serves as interim finance chief.