Professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP announced that Kevin Zaugg (top photo) has been named managing partner of its Des Moines office, effective April 1. Zaugg will succeed Dave Christens (bottom photo) with Christens’ upcoming retirement. The two will continue to work closely together to ensure a smooth transition, the firm said in a release.

Zaugg is a financial services office assurance partner with 24 years of audit and advisory experience. The Des Moines office has 108 full-time employees, according to the 2020 Book of Lists. 

“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 of 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. 

Zaugg has held various leadership roles during EY US career, including central insurance assurance leader, insurance audit operations leader and Kansas City location leader. He has extensive experience with life and annuity, reinsurance and property casualty companies and spent three years at Ernst & Young Accountants LLP (Netherlands). He is a Des Moines native and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, where he now serves on the Accounting Advisory Board.

This summer, Zaugg will lead and support the Des Moines office as it relocates to the 31st floor of its current building, 801 Grand. The new space will implement the EY@Work model, which fosters a modern, technology-enabled workplace.