Specialist legal insurer ARAG, which has its UK head office in Bristol, has appointed David Haynes as its CEO.
A founding member of ARAG UK when it started from scratch in 2006, David, pictured, will officially assume his new role on April 1, succeeding Tony Buss, who is set to retire on the same day. 
David Haynes was most recently responsible for underwriting at the firm as director of ARAG Legal Expenses Insurance Company.
Following the acquisition of DAS UK – also headquartered in Bristol – by ARAG a year ago, he has served as a member of the new leadership team and on the board of directors of the newly established ARAG entities.
The combination of ARAG UK and DAS UK, which was also German owned, has created a business with a combined workforce of around 800 staff in Bristol and premiums under management of €265m (£220m).
It is part of the global ARAG Group, the largest family-owned enterprise in the German insurance industry.
ARAG speaker of the board of management Dr Renko Dirksen said: “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.”
After 19 successful years in the top executive position of ARAG UK – and 48 years in the insurance business in total – Tony Buss will step down from the executive board upon reaching retirement age.
However, the firm said due to his significant contributions to ARAG’s UK business and his extensive expertise, he will remain connected to the company in an advisory role.
Dr Dirksen said: “The ARAG Group owes Tony Buss a great debt of gratitude.
“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.”
All changes at ARAG UK are subject to further regulatory approval.
ARAG is the largest family-owned enterprise in the German insurance industry and is the leading legal insurer worldwide. It is active in 19 countries – including the US, Canada and Australia – has more than 5,000 employees and generates revenue and premium income totaling more than €2.4bn.
