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The boss of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the UK might have hit pizza saturation while expanding the company into fried chicken has been removed after tensions with its directors.

Executive Transition

The former CEO is exiting after a brief tenure in leadership, and will be succeeded on an acting basis by the organization's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while the pizza giant looks for a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for more than two decades, had aimed to pivot Britain's largest pizza food delivery firm towards chicken offerings, commenting recently there was not “significant expansion” left in the UK's pizza market. He observed chicken was the most rapidly expanding menu item in the world.

Board Disagreements

It is understood that there was tension between Rennie and the directors over his approach and business vision, although the company's official statement said he was stepping down “through mutual consent”.

Recent Product Introduction

In September, Domino's launched its poultry product line – which Rennie referred to as a “bold new chapter” for the group – and is testing it in over 200 locations in the north-west of England and the province.

While the firm is still intending to launch it across its nearly 1,400 branches next year as planned, it views chicken products as complementary to its main pizza offerings.

Board Statement

The Domino's chair, the Domino's chair, stated: “The board believes that there are a number of opportunities to boost expansion and profitability in Domino's core business. We are focused on finding the ideal CEO to direct the careful implementation of that expansion plan.”

Market Difficulties

In the latest update, the pizza delivery giant, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said transactions declined by one and a half percent in the third quarter. In August, it alerted that the quick-service industry had “become tougher” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the lead-up to the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in half-year profits.

Competitors are also facing challenges. Pizza Hut revealed the closing of dozens of outlets a last month, after the firm behind its UK venues fell into administration.

Health Initiatives

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards balanced diets, the company has introduced reduced-calorie items, such as its Thin & Crispy range of bakes below 400 calories as well as plant-based and allergy-friendly pizzas. A large pepperoni pizza has over 2,300 kcal. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171, while a individual has 909 calories.

Acting Leadership

The interim chief has been with the company since the recent past, and previously worked for the gaming group a well-known operator. It is believed that she does not want to assume the CEO position permanently.

Frampton stated: “The company has a several active development and performance initiatives that we will be dedicated to carrying out at speed.”

She added these comprised ongoing development on the company's logistics network and menu innovation, and its customer retention initiative.

Domino's is also lacking a full-time finance director until March 16, when Andy Andrea starts from the drinks company a well-known firm. For now, Richard Snow is temporary CFO.