Andrew Rennie, the chief executive of Domino’s Pizza Group, has left the company after just two years, following tensions with the board over his strategy to shift the chain towards fried chicken. The company announced his departure “by mutual agreement,” but sources indicated friction over his focus and approach.
Rennie, a 20-year veteran of Domino’s, had recently told the Financial Times that the UK pizza market lacked “massive growth” and that chicken was “the fastest-growing protein” globally. In September, Domino’s launched its Chick ’N’ Dip brand, trialling it in 210 outlets in northern England and Northern Ireland, with plans to roll it out across nearly 1,400 branches next year.
Chair Ian Bull said the board sees “opportunities to drive further growth in Domino’s core business” and is focused on finding a new CEO to execute that strategy. Interim CEO Nicola Frampton, the company’s chief operating officer, said she would focus on supply chain, product development, and the loyalty scheme, but is not expected to take the role permanently.
Domino’s reported a 1.5% drop in orders in the third quarter and a 15% fall in half-year profits, blaming weaker consumer confidence and rising wage costs. The company has also postponed its investor day and paused plans to acquire a second brand until a new CEO is in place.
