Kilwins Appoints Kelli Schroeder as Chief Development Officer

Kelli Schroeder takes the helm as chief development officer at Kilwins, stepping into the role vacated by retiring executive Ron Galbreath. Bringing over 15 years of experience in franchise leadership, Schroeder is tasked with steering the confectionery chain’s strategic expansion while maintaining its long-standing focus on traditional customer experiences.

Money Talk·August 4, 2026·reads: 1,501

Kilwins Appoints Kelli Schroeder as Chief Development Officer

Schroeder joins the Petoskey-based company after a tenure as vice president of franchise development at Threshold Brands, where she oversaw growth for a portfolio of 10 home service brands across North America. Her background includes leadership positions at WellBiz Brands, Wingstop Restaurants International, and Brinker International. Beyond her corporate experience, she offers the perspective of a multi-unit franchisee, having operated locations for Miracle Method.

Kilwins CEO Brian Britton highlighted the necessity of balancing aggressive market growth with the brand's heritage, noting that Schroeder’s dual experience as an executive and a business owner is critical for this transition. The company, which currently operates over 190 locations, remains a leader in the sector, recently securing the top spot in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for dessert chains.

Galbreath will assist with the transition to ensure continuity across the development, real estate, and construction departments. For Schroeder, the move represents a return to a brand she encountered during her childhood, with her focus now shifting toward scaling the presence of a company that has operated since 1947.