David Haynes appointed CEO of ARAG UK

Firm expands following major acquisition, with his predecessor staying on as an advisor

David Haynes appointed CEO of ARAG UK

Legal Insights

By Kenneth Araullo

The nomination committee of ARAG UK has appointed David Haynes (pictured above) as chief executive officer of ARAG UK Holdings Limited and ARAG Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited. 

Haynes will assume his new role on April 1, 2025, succeeding Tony Buss, who is set to retire.   

Haynes, a founding member of ARAG UK, has been with the company since its launch in 2006. Most recently, he was responsible for underwriting as director of ARAG Legal Expenses Insurance Company. 

Following the acquisition of DAS UK in early 2024, he has served as part of the leadership team and as a member of the board of directors of the newly established ARAG entities.   

Dr Renko Dirksen, speaker of the board of management of ARAG SE, said that Haynes' leadership experience and contributions to the company made him the right choice to lead ARAG’s UK operations. 

“David Haynes has proven himself through his highly successful work within the leadership team, making him an excellent choice for this new role. We are delighted that he will now lead ARAG’s newly structured UK business and its 900 employees,” Dirksen said. 

Buss will step down after 19 years as CEO of ARAG UK and 48 years in the insurance industry. While he will leave the executive board upon reaching retirement age, he will remain involved with the company in an advisory capacity.   

Dirksen acknowledged Buss' role in developing ARAG’s UK business since 2006, saying that the company benefited from his leadership in both its initial growth phase and its recent acquisition of DAS UK. 

“He has successfully built and led our UK operations since 2006. Moreover, Tony Buss played a key role in ARAG SE’s acquisition of DAS UK, which was smoothly finalised at the beginning of 2024,” Dirksen said. 

All leadership changes remain subject to regulatory approval.   

Beyond legal expenses insurance, ARAG SE offers a range of casualty, property, and health insurance products tailored to different markets. The group operates in multiple jurisdictions, employing more than 5,000 people and generating total revenue and premium income exceeding €2.4 billion. 

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