Outgoing David Jones boss Paul Zahra says there’s nothing sinister about his departure, as he works on a seamless handover to a successor.

Mr Zahra, who has been chief executive of the department store chain for three years, unexpectedly quit last week, citing personal reasons.

He will step down once a replacement is found.

Mr Zahra said he plans to take a break for at least six months, but is not ending his management career.

“I’m only 47 and I do think there’s a bit more in me and I’m certainly healthy and energetic enough to take on another management role,” he said on Friday.

“I’m open for all opportunities.”

But it was “unlikely” he would go to rival Myer, he said, where chief executive Bernie Brookes’ contract expires on August 31, 2014.

Mr Zahra denied there was anything else behind his departure, describing his relationship with chairman Peter Mason as “good”.

“There’s certainly nothing sinister,” Mr Zahra said.

He is also prepared to wait some time before a replacement is found.

“It will be protracted. Equally we know that our competitor will also be looking for a new CEO – that’s the way these things work.”

Analysts say the search for a new boss could take up to six months and the company is likely to look overseas.

Despite David Jones picking up an extra 2.1 per cent in sales during the September quarter and growing online sales, Mr Zahra said he would not reconsider his position.

“Never say never, but really the board need to find a successor,” he said.

“I want to make sure that the handover is seamless for the company, for the team and for me personally so I’m committed to stay until that process happens and that will take time.”