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The boss of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who indicated the United Kingdom might have hit pizza saturation while diversifying the company into poultry items has been replaced after conflicts with its board.

Leadership Transition

The former CEO is departing after a brief tenure in charge, and will be replaced on an acting basis by the organization's chief operating officer, Frampton, while Domino's looks for a permanent CEO.

The outgoing executive, who worked for the company for more than two decades, had aimed to redirect Britain's leading pizza takeaway chain towards poultry-based products, remarking earlier this month there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He observed poultry was the most rapidly expanding food category in the globe.

Board Disagreements

Reports indicate that there was tension between the CEO and the governance team over his focus and management style, although Domino's official statement said he was leaving “as a joint decision”.

Recent Brand Launch

In September, the chain launched its Chick 'N' Dip product line – which Rennie referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the company – and is piloting it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and the province.

While the company is still intending to launch it across its extensive network in the coming year as intended, it considers chicken products as an addition to its main pizza offerings.

Board Statement

Bull, the Domino's chair, commented: “Directors think that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and profitability in our primary operations. We are prioritizing finding the suitable leader to lead the disciplined execution of that growth strategy.”

Market Challenges

In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said transactions declined by 1.5 percent in the latest quarter. In the summer, it cautioned that the quick-service industry had “become tougher” as it attributed reduced spending in the period before the government announcement and increasing labor expenses for weaker-than-expected sales and a 15% drop in half-year profits.

Competitors are also struggling. Another major chain revealed the shutting of dozens of outlets a last month, after the company behind its UK venues fell into administration.

Health Initiatives

Responding to consumer trends towards better nutrition, the company has introduced reduced-calorie options, such as its thin-crust line of bakes below 400 kcals as well as plant-based and allergy-friendly pizzas. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 kcals. A large cheese and tomato pizza has 2,171 kcal, while a personal has 909 calories.

Interim Management

The interim chief has been with the company since 2021, and was formerly with the betting firm William Hill. It is believed that she prefers not to assume the chief executive role on a full-time basis.

She commented: “We have a several active development and efficiency programs that we will be focused on executing at speed.”

She added these comprised ongoing development on the company's supply chain and new item creation, and its customer retention initiative.

The pizza chain is also in need of a permanent chief financial officer until March 16, when Andy Andrea joins from the Irish cider and beer maker C&C Group. In the meantime, Snow is acting financial officer.