Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Freshfields) today announced the appointment of Katherine D’Urso as Global Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer.

Based in New York, Katherine will lead the firm’s marketing and business development division globally and has more than 25 years of experience in senior marketing, brand and business development roles. She joins from WilmerHale, where she was Chief Client Development Officer.

Katherine brings a strong track record in professional services, having held senior marketing and business development roles at King & Spalding, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, as well as PwC. She is also a board member and president of the Women First International Fund, which provides grants to women-led, grassroots organizations in East Africa and India.

Freshfields Managing Partner Rafique Bachour said: “Katherine is a great addition to the firm. Her global experience and strong track record across the full business development and marketing mix will help ensure that we continue to build our market-leading brand and, most importantly, deliver exceptional service for our clients.”

Katherine D’Urso commented: “Freshfields is at the forefront of the most innovative global law firms, delivering extraordinary value to clients in an increasingly complex, unpredictable environment. I am excited by the opportunity to lead the marketing and business development function as Freshfields grows its capabilities from strength to strength.”