David Haynes to succeed Tony Buss as CEO of ARAG UK

David Haynes will replace CEO Tony Buss on his retirement at the start of April and take on leadership of ARAG’s UK business.

Dave was one of the founding directors of ARAG UK when the business was launched in Bristol, in 2006 and, as Director of Underwriting, has overseen the company’s highly successful underwriting strategy.

He has served as a key member of the leadership team from the start and has been instrumental in the integration of the DAS UK business acquired last year.

The company’s nomination committee has confirmed that he will become CEO of both ARAG UK Holdings Limited and ARAG Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited, from 1 April 2025, as the business moves its headquarters to Temple Quay, in central Bristol.
Tony Buss is stepping away from the board after 19 years in the senior executive position and 48 years in the insurance industry.

However, his significant contribution and unparalleled legal expenses experience will not be lost to ARAG, as he will continue to serve the company in an advisory capacity.

Commenting on his appointment as CEO, David Haynes said:

It will be a huge honour to lead the business that we have built, especially at such an exciting time in ARAG’s history, both here in the UK and internationally. I’m truly excited by the challenges and opportunities on our horizon and the fantastic team that we have assembled.

Tony has been a fantastic colleague, mentor and friend throughout my career. The impact he has made stretches far beyond ARAG UK, into the international ARAG Group, and wider legal and insurance worlds. He leaves behind a legacy he can be proud of, having laid the foundations for future success. He has more than earned his retirement, but I am very pleased he will continue to work with us, in an advisory capacity.

Tony has enjoyed a remarkable career in the insurance industry that has culminated in the growth of ARAG UK, from scratch into a business that will, this year, contribute more than €250 million to the international ARAG Group.

Announcing his retirement Tony Buss said:

It has been my great privilege to lead ARAG UK, from our modest origins in 2006, to become the UK’s leading legal protection business. We have built an amazing team and, above all, enabled so many people and small businesses to achieve justice that they would otherwise have been denied.

I am both delighted and very confident to be handing over the reins to David Haynes. I’ve worked with Dave for more than 35 of my 48 years in the insurance industry and know that he has the right values, business acumen and instincts to lead ARAG to even greater success.

All of the changes at ARAG UK remain subject to regulatory approval.