Mazars USA expands executive board, names new managing partners

Accounting, tax, and consulting firm Mazars USA has announced leadership changes amid its national expansion. The firm’s executive board will grow from five to seven members. Additionally, it named new managing partners for the New York and Chicago offices.

Robert Kastenschmidt, a Mazars USA partner and national consulting and advisory practice leader, and Craig Fine, the firm’s Long Island office managing partner, will join the executive board. Kastenschmidt, who also serves as Mazars’ global consulting leader, has more than 20 years’ industry experience. He is also a member of the firm’s global leadership team and the global services and sectors team. Fine also has more than 20 years’ experience, predominantly in the manufacturing and distribution industry, with a focus on the food and beverage sector.

“As the firm continues our national growth, we felt it was important to also increase the membership of the executive board. Our consulting practice is a significant component to our business and our future, so it was natural to bring Robert Kastenschmidt onto the board,” Victor Wahba, Mazars USA chairman and CEO, said. “Similarly, Craig Fine has an important role in our Long Island office's growth and is a key member cultivating our food and beverage practice.”

Jeremy Rice will be the Chicago office managing partner, while Robert DeMeola will take the same position in the New York office. Mazars partners Alan Wohl and Howard Leung will also join the New York office, respectively working in private client services and real estate practices.

Rice is the co-leader of the Chicago office’s audit practice and is a leader in Mazars’ industrial and automotive sectors. DeMeola has more than 30 years of experience in accounting and will work to maintain and strengthen Mazars’ position in the New York Market. Wohl will work with high-net-worth individuals, focusing on business strategy development and family wealth and office consulting. Leung has a great deal of experience in real estate – knowledge that he will leverage to strengthen the segment within the Mazars organization.

“We continue to grow our Chicago office and, with his track record of success for the firm, we feel that Jeremy Rice is an excellent choice to contribute in the upward trend,” Wahba said. “And, as our largest office, we believe Robert DeMeola's substantial experience leading the New York office of another large national firm makes him a valuable asset. Along with his skilled colleagues, this provides us with a deep bench into the future in this important marketplace.”