Dr. Frans Coetsee - CEO

Frans Coetsee qualified as a dentist in 1986 at the University of Pretoria.

During 4 years of government service Frans managed two dental clinics. He then worked for 6 years in private practice, both his own and in a group practice. He completed postgraduate courses in endodontics, implantology and orthodontics at the University of Pretoria as well as the Medical University of South Africa (Medunsa). In 2001 he completed a diploma course in Financial Skills for Executive Management.

Whilst in private practice, Frans acted as dental consultant to a medical aid and the idea for the Denis system was born. With one of his partners in private practice he founded the company commercially in 1996 and left clinical practice to become the Managing Director of Dental Information Systems (Pty) Ltd.

In 1997 he initiated a national road show with the Dental Association of South Africa to enlighten SA dentists about managed health care. He is the author and co-author of managed care related articles in the Journal of the South African Dental Association.

Dr. Gareth Hayton - MD Insurance Division

Gareth qualified from Stellenbosch University with BChD in June 1988 and entered private practice. In 1995 he completed a 2-year diploma in dental aesthetics and graduated cum laude.

In 1999 he published a book "Complete Family Guide to Dental Health and Treatment", was author and co-author of various published articles in the SA Medical journal and SA Dental journal and in 2000 was appointed sub-editor of South African Dental Association's Journal.

Dr. Hleli Nhlapo - MD: Medical Scheme Division

Hleli qualified as a dentist in June 1991 at Medunsa and was in private practice for 14 years before joining Denis. He has attended courses in periodontology, implantology, stomatological studies, practice management and disaster management.  His postgraduate studies include a diploma in Forensic Dentistry and a MSC Dent Sc in Forensic Dentistry. Hleli was involved in negotiations leading to the formation of the South African Dental Association (SADA).  He was a member of the Private Practice Committee of SADA for 4 years representing township dentists, and was a director of Oralnet until January 2005.

Hleli brings a wealth of experience to the governing board of Denis, and his career includes dental advisor for the country’s top scheme administrators, local area manager for Managed Health Systems, executive member of the SA Medical and Dental Practitioners, and Secretary and Executive member of the Dental Professionals’ Association. Hleli also represented the SADA team that negotiated the annual dental benefits with The Board of Healthcare Funders, and he was responsible for a presentation to the SA Dental Technician Council for the direct payments of dental laboratory claims to technicians.

Mr. David Carolus  - MD: Group Operations

David has a background in mining, production, finance, telecoms and IT with a BSc (Mech Eng) from the University of Cape Town, a Diploma in Financial Management and Investments (FMIP) from the University of South Africa, an MBA, as well as MPhil (Futures Studies) from the University of Stellenbosch.

David has held management positions in major corporate organisations within South Africa and is acknowledged as an innovator and enabler of sustainable and effective strategic execution, in constantly changing environments.

David is a member of the Institute of Directors (IOD) and is a certificated Director (Cert. D).

Mr. Paul Leroy - Financial Director

Paul qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1996 after completing his articles at Ernst & Young. Paul also studied information systems honours at UCT which was completed in 1994. It was at this stage that Paul teamed up with Dr Frans Coetsee to develop the first Denis IT System. This was when the concept for Denis was born.

His experience includes 12 years at Ernst & Young assisting large listed financial services clients with overseas listings, Corporate Governance, Due Diligence assignments, IT controls and Risk Management, Business Process Controls, IT security, Sarbanes Oxley compliance and a host of other risk and advisory services. His clients spanned banking, insurance, oil, UK FTSE and US NASDAQ listed clients. This experience provides Paul with a good insight into the regulatory and corporate governance standards both in South Africa, UK and the US.