Global law firm Freshfields has appointed Craig Annis as Chief Brand and Communications Officer, with responsibility for the firm’s global brand, communications and reputation strategy.Based in New York, Annis joins Freshfields from A&O Shearman, where he led global communications and worked on strategic initiatives including the firm’s global brand launch, reputation and stakeholder engagement programmes.He previously served as Chief Brand Officer at the United States Golf Association (USGA). Earlier, Annis spent more than 11 years at Mars, holding senior global roles across communications, public affairs, government relations and corporate responsibility in the US and Europe.Freshfields Senior Partner Georgia Dawson said Annis brings a strong track record in building communications teams, managing reputation and engaging clients, employees and other stakeholders.Annis said he was looking forward to strengthening Freshfields’ brand, reputation and engagement with key audiences as the firm pursues its growth ambitions.