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The boss of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who indicated the United Kingdom might have reached pizza saturation while diversifying the franchise into chicken products has been removed after disagreements with its board.

Executive Change

The former CEO is exiting after a brief tenure in the top role, and will be succeeded on an temporary basis by the company's chief operating officer, Frampton, while the pizza giant searches for a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for more than two decades, had attempted to pivot the UK's leading pizza takeaway chain towards fried chicken, commenting recently there was not “huge potential” left in the UK's pizza market. He said chicken was the fastest-growing protein in the international market.

Board Friction

Reports indicate that there was disagreement between the CEO and the directors over his focus and direction, although Domino's release said he was departing “by mutual agreement”.

New Product Launch

In the autumn, Domino's launched its poultry brand – which Rennie called a “major strategic shift” for the group – and is testing it in 210 outlets in the North West region and Northern Ireland.

While the business is still planning to expand it across its nearly 1,400 branches in 2026 as intended, it regards chicken products as a supplement for its core pizza business.

Board Statement

Bull, the Domino's chair, stated: “We are confident that there are a series of prospects to enhance value and profitability in our primary operations. We are concentrating on selecting the suitable leader to oversee the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.”

Industry Challenges

Recently, the pizza delivery giant, which has millions of users in the British Isles, said sales declined by 1.5 percent in the Q3. In the summer, it alerted that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it blamed economic uncertainty in the period before the budget and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a 15% drop in half-year profits.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut revealed the shutting of 68 restaurants a month ago, after the business behind its outlets fell into administration.

Health Efforts

Responding to market shifts towards balanced diets, Domino's has rolled out light items, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of pizzas below 400 kcal as well as vegan and gluten-free options. A family-sized pepperoni has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has over 2,100, while a individual has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Leadership

Nicola Frampton has been with Domino's since the recent past, and was formerly with the gaming group a well-known operator. It is understood that she prefers not to occupy the top job permanently.

Frampton stated: “We have a several ongoing development and efficiency programs that we will be focused on carrying out at speed.”

She added these involved further work on the organization's supply chain and menu innovation, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also lacking a full-time finance director until 16 March, when Andrea joins from the drinks company C&C Group. Until then, Richard Snow is temporary CFO.