Brad Williams and Joe Audia take on separate COO roles, strengthening franchise support and the supply operation behind the confectionery chain’s nearly 200 locations.
- Brad Williams promoted to COO of Kilwins.
- Joe Audia promoted to COO of Kilwins Quality Confections.
- Williams' focus on franchise operations and guest experience.
- Audia's role to maintain supply chain excellence.
- Kilwins' expansion strategy with nearly 200 locations.
Kilwins is strengthening its leadership team with the promotion of Brad Williams and Joe Audia to chief operating officer roles, giving each executive responsibility for a key part of the confectionery franchise system. Williams will oversee operations for Kilwins, while Audia will lead Kilwins Quality Confections, the company’s dedicated supply operation. The appointments are intended to reinforce franchisee support and product availability as the brand continues its nationwide expansion.
Williams joined Kilwins in May 2025 as vice president of operations and training, bringing more than 30 years of franchise leadership experience. His previous roles include senior positions with Taco Bell, The Krystal Company and Wingstop. Most recently, he led operations across 580 Checkers & Rally’s franchise locations. At Kilwins, his focus has been on strengthening operational systems, improving training and supporting franchisees while preserving the guest experience associated with the brand.
Audia brings 19 years of experience with Kilwins, where he has worked across customer service, warehousing and distribution, purchasing and manufacturing operations. In his new role, he will oversee Kilwins Quality Confections, which supplies retail locations with the products and materials needed to serve customers. Before joining the company, Audia spent 24 years in the automotive industry, advancing from tooling engineering into project and operations management. He holds degrees in physics and mechanical engineering, along with an MBA.
Brian Britton, president and CEO of Kilwins, described the promotions as a natural next step for both executives. He pointed to Williams’ understanding of franchisee relationships and guest experience, as well as Audia’s knowledge of manufacturing and supply chain operations. Their responsibilities address two interconnected priorities for the business: helping franchisees operate effectively and ensuring stores have the products needed to maintain consistent service.
Founded in 1947, Kilwins has nearly 200 locations nationwide and continues to pursue franchise growth while maintaining its established confectionery traditions. As the network expands, coordinating suppliers and maintaining dependable product availability become increasingly important. The Vendors and Suppliers feature available through Gorilla Dash offers franchise systems a way to organize supplier information and support coordination across their operations.
Key Facts:
| Brad Williams' Experience | Williams has over 30 years in franchise leadership, including roles with Taco Bell, The Krystal Company, and Wingstops. |
|---|---|
| Joe Audia's Role | Audia has worked at Kilwins for 19 years, now leading Kilwins Quality Confections for supply operations. |
| Expansion of Kilwins | Kilwins continues to expand its franchise network with nearly 200 locations across the United States. |
| Williams' Leadership Philosophy | Rooted in servant leadership, shaped by military and personal challenges, emphasizing resilience and team-building. |
| Kilwins' Legacy | Founded in 1947, Kilwins has been known for its handcrafted chocolates and sweets, celebrated for decades. |
| Operational Strategy Focus | Williams focuses on operational excellence and franchisee success, aiming to enhance growth without losing quality. |
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