🔗 Share this article Peak Pizza? Domino's Leader Departs Following Pivot Towards Fried Chicken. A boss of Domino's Pizza Group who proposed the United Kingdom might have hit peak pizza while diversifying the franchise into chicken products has been removed after disagreements with its board. Leadership Transition The former CEO is exiting after a brief tenure in charge, and will be succeeded on an interim basis by the company's chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's searches for a new leader. The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for more than two decades, had aimed to pivot Britain's largest pizza takeaway chain towards fried chicken, stating in a recent interview there was not “huge potential” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He observed poultry was the fastest-growing menu item in the globe. Board Friction Reports indicate that there was disagreement between the CEO and the board over his approach and business vision, although Domino's release said he was leaving “by mutual agreement”. Recent Brand Launch In September, the chain introduced its Chick 'N' Dip brand – which Rennie described as a “bold new chapter” for the company – and is piloting it in select stores in the North West region and Northern Ireland. While the company is still planning to expand it across its extensive network in 2026 as planned, it regards fried chicken as a supplement for its core pizza business. Board Comment The Domino's chair, the company chair, said: “Directors think that there are a series of prospects to boost expansion and profitability in the main pizza segment. We are focused on identifying the suitable leader to lead the disciplined execution of that expansion plan.” Industry Difficulties In the latest update, Domino's, which has a substantial customer base in the British Isles, said sales dipped by one and a half percent in the latest quarter. In August, it warned that the takeaway market had “become tougher” as it attributed reduced spending in the run-up to the budget and higher payroll outlays for below-target performance and a 15% drop in six-month income. Other pizza operators are also struggling. Another major chain disclosed the shutting of 68 restaurants a recently, after the firm behind its outlets faced financial collapse. Health Initiatives Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards better nutrition, Domino's has introduced reduced-calorie items, such as its Thin & Crispy selection of bakes below 400 kcal as well as meat-free and gluten-free options. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has 2,171 kcal, while a personal has 909 calories. Interim 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 believed that she is not seeking to take on the top job permanently. She commented: “The company has a multiple current growth and operational projects that we will be focused on executing at speed.” Frampton noted these involved further work on the organization's logistics network and menu innovation, and its rewards program. The pizza chain is also without a long-term finance director until March 16, when a new appointee joins from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. In the meantime, Snow is acting financial officer.