The head of embattled cafe and pizza outlet owner Retail Food Group, Andre Nell, has been replaced by the man overseeing the company's business-wide review.

RFG, the owner of Gloria Jean's, Donut King and Crust Pizza, said Richard Hinson, who joined the company in January to lead a strategic review triggered by problems within its franchise network, had been promoted to group chief executive.

Managing director Mr Nell would leave the company on Tuesday, RFG said.

RFG was hit with a string of accusations late last year from former and current franchisees that they had been run them into the ground with exorbitant fees, including high marketing and food costs, poor quality food and a lack of support.

The company later appointed Mr Hinson, a former executive at supermarkets wholesaler Metcash and confectionary maker Wrigley Pacific, to improve the company's support for franchisees and ensure their profitability.