THE boss of one of Hampshire’s major firms is to step down.

Managing director of Winchester-based Denplan Steve Gates is to leave the post.

Mr Gates will be leaving the company at the end of this month and taking his former job will be Caroline Coleman.

Mr Gates has had a 21-year career with Denplan and Simply Health, during that time he has been instrumental in building Denplan into the leading payment plan provider in the UK, among both dentists and vets.

Mr Gates said he felt the time was right for new leadership and for him to explore new challenges.

Steve Gates said:“It has been a great privilege and an incredibly exciting time to lead the Denplan business through a period of significant growth. I have been fortunate to work with a great team and I’m proud of what we have built together.

“After a long period leading the business the time is right for new leadership, and for me to explore new challenges.

“I leave with only love and respect for every single individual who I’ve worked with. I’m extremely happy in the knowledge that the team will continue to grow and develop, and with Caroline Coleman the business will be in good hands. I wish her and the team every success in the future.”

The news comes six years after Denplan which is the largest private employer in Winchester, was taken over by Simplyhealth which is based in Andover in a £115m cash deal.

Following Steve’s departure, Caroline Coleman will now lead dental and vets business.

Chief Executive of Simplyhealth Romana Abdin said: “We have an ambition to be the first people to turn to for extra help with everyday health. 

“For our healthcare professionals this means helping them to have a more fulfilled professional life and a more successful business life, recognising what’s important to them, and creating value for their patients and their lives.

“Steve has contributed to this ambition over many years at Denplan and Simplyhealth, and leaves it as a much stronger business than the one he took on.

"I’d like to thank Steve for his leadership; it’s been a pleasure to work with him, and I wish him well and I’ll be supporting him with his future endeavours.”