Best & Less Group CEO Rodney Orrock has extended his medical leave by two months since initially commencing it in September.
Orrock’s treatment is reportedly progressing well, but BLG said he is not ready to return to his duties. The group has initiated an external search process for a permanent CEO as a contingency, noting that the timing of Orrock’s return remains uncertain.
In the interim, Jason Murray will remain as executive chair. Murray said the board is fully committed to supporting Orrock’s recovering.
“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,” he said.
BLG will update the market further when details of Rod’s return are known, or at the time of its first half results announcement in February, in line with its continuous disclosure obligations.
Orrock began his medical leave in September, supported by the Group, with Murray stepping in. Murray had then said the BLG team of 4,500 people are united.
"I have been in this business for many years and feel that the opportunity for us as a differentiated specialty value apparel retailer has never been greater.”
Murray is an experienced retail industry leader, having previously led Best & Less Group as Managing Director from 2012-2018 and again from 2019-2021.
Earlier, he served as CEO and Managing Director of Just Group for more than four years, following a 10-year career as a management consultant with McKinsey & Company.