Succeeds Dave Christens on April 1, 2020
The professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced Kevin Zaugg as the new Des Moines Office Managing Partner, effective April 1, 2020, succeeding Dave Christens with his upcoming retirement. The two will continue to work closely together to ensure a smooth transition, especially during this unprecedented and challenging time.
In his new role as the Des Moines Office Managing Partner, Zaugg, an FSO Assurance Partner with 24 years of audit and advisory experience, will continue building on the success of the Des Moines office that Christens helped drive. He will work to further develop and engage EY professionals, create high-performing teams, drive market leadership across service lines and enhance the EY brand in the market.
“The Des Moines market is a valuable element of EY US and we are confident that Kevin will continue to lead our clients and people to help build a better working world,” said Julie Boland, US-Central Region Managing Partner, EY US. “Dave has a long history with our firm and while we are sad to see him retire, he has set our firm up superbly for continued success in the future.”
Christens, who began his career with EY US in 1981, has held the Des Moines Office Managing Partner title twice, most recently beginning in 2014. During his EY US career, Christens held other leadership positions in the Des Moines, Milwaukee, Chicago and Philadelphia offices and was the lead partner for many complex audit clients. Christens was also an active member on the Americas Inclusiveness Steering Group, helping to drive the effectiveness of the firm through enhanced diversity and inclusiveness.
“Leading the Des Moines office is an incredible opportunity and I couldn’t be more excited. We have amazing diversity in technical talents and national resources in Des Moines and it is an honor to take the reins from Dave,” said Zaugg.
Throughout his EY US career, Zaugg has held various leadership roles, including Central Insurance Assurance Leader, Insurance Audit Operations Leader and Kansas City FSO Location Leader. He has extensive experience with life and annuity, reinsurance and property casualty companies and spent three years in EMEIA at Ernst & Young Accountants LLP (Netherlands). Zaugg is a Des Moines native, an East High graduate and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, where he now serves on the Accounting Advisory Board.
In the summer of 2020, Zaugg will lead and support the Des Moines office as it relocates to the 31st floor of its current building, 801 Grand Avenue, the tallest, most prominent building in Des Moines. The new space will implement the EY@Work model, which fosters a modern, technology-enabled workplace.
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This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization that provides services to clients in the US.
