🔗 Share this article Pizza Market Saturation? Domino's Pizza Chief Executive Exits Following Move Into Fried Chicken. The head of Domino's Pizza Group who suggested the United Kingdom might have hit maximum pizza demand while diversifying the company into fried chicken has been ousted after tensions with its directors. Leadership Shake-Up Andrew Rennie is exiting after just two years in the top role, and will be replaced on an temporary basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's searches for a long-term chief. The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for a substantial period, had sought to pivot the UK's leading pizza delivery company towards poultry-based products, commenting recently there was not “significant expansion” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He said chicken was the quickest rising protein in the international market. Governance Disagreements Sources suggest that there was friction between Rennie and the board over his strategy and direction, although the company's release said he was leaving “by mutual agreement”. New Brand Introduction In September, the chain launched its poultry brand – which Rennie referred to as a “bold new chapter” for the company – and is testing it in over 200 locations in the North West region and Northern Ireland. While the business is still planning to expand it across its extensive network next year as intended, it regards fried chicken as complementary to its main pizza offerings. Board Statement Ian Bull, the Domino's chairman, commented: “Directors think that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and value creation in Domino's core business. We are focused on finding the ideal CEO to oversee the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.” Market Challenges In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said sales fell by 1.5 percent in the third quarter. In the summer, it cautioned that the quick-service industry had “become tougher” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the lead-up to the budget and higher payroll outlays for below-target performance and a 15% drop in six-month income. Rival chains are also facing challenges. Pizza Hut revealed the closure of multiple locations a recently, after the firm behind its British operations fell into administration. Health Efforts Adapting to market shifts towards balanced diets, Domino's has launched lower-calorie products, such as its light base selection of pizzas below 400 kcal as well as meat-free and allergy-friendly pizzas. A large pepperoni pizza has 2,311 calories. A family cheese pizza has 2,171 kcal, while a individual has under 1,000 calories. Acting Leadership Frampton has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the betting firm a well-known operator. It is thought that she prefers not to assume the CEO position long-term. She commented: “The company has a several active growth and performance initiatives that we will be focused on implementing at a rapid rate.” Frampton noted these comprised additional efforts on the company's supply chain and menu innovation, and its customer retention initiative. Domino's is also without a permanent finance director until the spring, when Andy Andrea joins from the beverage producer a well-known firm. Until then, Snow is interim finance chief.