André Meyer, chief executive of South African private hospitals giant Life Healthcare, has announced he will step down at the end of June.

Under Meyer’s leadership, Life Healthcare entered the UK healthcare market with the acquisition of Alliance Medical for an enterprise value of up to £800 million, last year. He also oversaw the company’s expansion into India and Poland.

In a statement, Life Healthcare said: “It is at this juncture, and after nearly 20 years in the healthcare industry, that André has decided to change course and focus on new opportunities.”

Pieter van der Westhuizen, chief financial officer at Life Healthcare, will take on the role of acting chief executive. He has been at Life Healthcare for 18 years and held the post of chief financial officer for the last four.