The Co-op is poised to create two temporary co-managing directors to cover boss Jo Whitfield’s absence later this year as she takes time off to help her sons with their exams.

The grocer is set to promote chief operating officer Chris Whitfield and chief commercial officer Matt Hood to co-managing directors, Retail Week reported.

The Co-op group chief executive Steve Murrells was set to take over from Whitfield for the four month period that she plans to take off later this year, however, it was revealed last week that he was set to step down from the grocer in May.

READ MORE: Co-op Food CEO taking break to spend time with family

Shirine Khoury-Haq, currently Co-op  group CFO and CEO of Co-op Life Services, will replace Murrells on an interim basis.

Jo  Whitfield revealed last month that she would take a four month break to help her sons in their key exam years.

Chris Whitfield and Hood are senior members of The Co-op Food team, and both joined the mutual from Tesco.