CEO of Best & Less, Rodney Orrock, will extend his medical leave for an additional two months, following the announcement of his three-month leave in September.

The company said Orrock is not yet ready to resume his duties as CEO, even though his therapy is going well. As Orrock’s return remains uncertain, Best & Less has started an external search process for a permanent CEO. In the interim, Jason Murray will remain as executive chair.

“After almost three months in the role, my feet are firmly under the desk, and I continue to be impressed by the focus and commitment of our team,” said Murray. 

Murray was the group’s MD from 2012 to 2018 and from 2019 to 2021. Prior to joining Best & Less, he served as CEO and MD of Just Group.

Best & Less says it will provide further updates to the market once details of Orrock’s return are known, or when its first-half results are announced in February.