(Sharecast News) - Independent SIPP operator Curtis Banks said on Wednesday that Paul Tarran plans to step down as chief financial officer by the end of this year.A process to identify and recruit a successor has begun, but in the meantime, Tarran will retain his current responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition.Tarran has been involved with Curtis Banks since its foundation nearly a decade ago and was appointed as CFO back in 2012. The company said he has played "an important role in the significant growth" of the group and also the successful IPO in 2015. Chief executive Will Self said: "The board is grateful for Paul's huge contribution to the Curtis Banks Group. He has played an important role as chief financial officer during a period when the business has grown from a start-up to one of the UK's largest independent SIPP operators. Paul has agreed to provide the support needed to ensure that a smooth transition takes place after a suitable successor has been identified."Tarran said: "I've hugely enjoyed my near 10 years with Curtis Banks and I'm immensely proud that it has grown into one of the UK's market leading pension companies during that period. The time is now right for me to take a step back from the business as the board continues to focus on the opportunities ahead."At 1540 GMT, the shares were up 1.3% to 267.50p.