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The chief executive of the UK's Domino's Pizza chain who proposed the United Kingdom might have reached maximum pizza demand while broadening the company into chicken products has been ousted after disagreements with its directors.

Executive Shake-Up

The former CEO is departing after only 24 months in leadership, and will be succeeded on an acting basis by the company'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 attempted to shift the UK's leading pizza food delivery firm towards chicken offerings, stating earlier this month there was not “massive growth” left in the British pizza industry. He observed chicken was the most rapidly expanding menu item in the international market.

Governance Disagreements

Reports indicate that there was tension between the CEO and the directors over his strategy and business vision, although the company's official statement said he was stepping down “as a joint decision”.

New Brand Introduction

In September, Domino's unveiled its chicken-focused product line – which the former chief described as a “significant new phase” for the organization – and is testing it in 210 outlets in the north-west of England and Northern Ireland.

While the firm is still intending to launch it across its nearly 1,400 branches next year as scheduled, it considers chicken products as a supplement for its primary pizza operations.

Leadership Comment

Ian Bull, the company chair, commented: “Directors think that there are a number of opportunities to enhance value and value creation in Domino's core business. We are concentrating on selecting the suitable leader to oversee the careful implementation of that development approach.”

Market Challenges

Earlier this month, Domino's, which has 13 million customers in the British Isles, said transactions declined by 1.5% in the latest quarter. In August, it alerted that the takeaway market had “grown more challenging” as it blamed weaker consumer confidence in the period before the government announcement and higher payroll outlays for below-target performance and a significant fall in half-year profits.

Other pizza operators are also experiencing difficulties. Pizza Hut disclosed the closing of dozens of outlets a last month, after the business behind its British operations fell into administration.

Wellness Initiatives

Trying to keep up with customer preferences towards better nutrition, Domino's has introduced light items, such as its light base line of bakes below 400 kcal as well as vegan and allergy-friendly pizzas. A big pepperoni bake has 2,311 kcals. A big margherita has 2,171, while a individual has under 1,000 calories.

Acting Leadership

Frampton has been with Domino's since 2021, and had a background at the betting firm William Hill. It is believed that she does not want to take on the CEO position long-term.

She commented: “Our team has a several current growth and efficiency programs that we will be concentrating on implementing at a rapid rate.”

She added these comprised ongoing development on the organization's procurement system and product development, and its loyalty scheme.

The pizza chain is also in need of a long-term CFO until the spring, when Andrea starts from the Irish cider and beer maker a well-known firm. Until then, Richard Snow acts as temporary CFO.