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A head of Domino's Pizza Group who indicated the UK might have hit pizza saturation while broadening the franchise into poultry items has been removed after conflicts with its governing body.

Executive Transition

The former CEO is leaving after just two years in charge, and will be succeeded on an temporary basis by the company's operations head, Nicola Frampton, while Domino's looks for a long-term chief.

The outgoing executive, who worked for Domino's for over 20 years, had aimed to shift Britain's largest pizza takeaway chain towards chicken offerings, remarking in a recent interview there was not “massive growth” left in the pizza sector in the UK. He said poultry was the quickest rising protein in the international market.

Board Tensions

Sources suggest that there was tension between the CEO and the directors over his approach and management style, although the company's announcement said he was departing “as a joint decision”.

New Brand Introduction

In September, Domino's launched its poultry product line – which the former chief referred to as a “major strategic shift” for the group – and is trialling 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 extensive network in 2026 as intended, it regards fried chicken as an addition to its main pizza offerings.

Board Statement

Ian Bull, the company chair, commented: “The board believes that there are a series of prospects to drive further growth and performance improvement in our primary operations. We are concentrating on finding the ideal CEO to oversee the careful implementation of that expansion plan.”

Market Challenges

In the latest update, the pizza delivery giant, which has a substantial customer base in the UK and Ireland, said transactions dipped by 1.5 percent in the third quarter. In the summer, it alerted that the takeaway market had “intensified” as it attributed economic uncertainty in the lead-up to the budget and higher payroll outlays for disappointing revenue and a 15 percent decline in half-year profits.

Rival chains are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut disclosed the shutting of multiple locations a last month, after the firm behind its UK venues fell into administration.

Wellness Efforts

Adapting to market shifts towards better nutrition, the company has launched light products, such as its light base line of bakes below 400 kcal as well as meat-free and allergy-friendly options. A family-sized pepperoni has over 2,300 kcal. A family cheese pizza has 2,171 kcal, while a small has 909 kcal.

Acting Leadership

The interim chief has been with Domino's since the recent past, and was formerly with the betting firm William Hill. It is believed that she prefers not to take on the CEO position long-term.

Frampton stated: “The company has a multiple current expansion and efficiency programs that we will be dedicated to executing at a rapid rate.”

Frampton noted these involved further work on the company's procurement system and new item creation, and its rewards program.

The pizza chain is also lacking a permanent CFO until the spring, when Andrea joins from the beverage producer C&C Group. In the meantime, Snow is acting financial officer.