I think some of you people are blowing up nothing into something.
The head of flight operations doesn't need to be a check pilot, so doesn't need any delegations from that perspective. They need to be a fit and proper person and know how their management structure works - that is about it.
Casa needs to know that the person is going to do the right thing and not be a puppet, but don't forget the designated CEO is also the "responsible person" so the HOFO Is only one part of the accountability chain.
I would think that it will happen when it happens. It was never going to happen over Christmas and new year.