New chief marketing officer for Fransmart

Sara Schmillen has been appointed to the leadership role and brings more than two decades of marketing experience in the restaurant and franchise industries. In her latest position, Schmillen is charged with overseeing the marketing strategy across Fransmart’s portfolio of restaurant and retail franchise brands.

“I am thrilled to join Fransmart at such an exciting time in the company’s evolution,” said Schmillen. “As CMO, I am looking forward to helping our emerging brands stand out, share their unique stories, and attract the best-in-class franchisees who will bring these concepts to life across the country.”

Schmillen has held senior marketing positions at Kahala Brands, where she served as head of marketing and vice president of marketing, and Snooze Eatery. According to Fransmart, the executive now leads an all-women marketing department at the company.

“Bringing Sara on board is a major milestone for Fransmart,” said Dan Rowe, founder and CEO of Fransmart. “Her deep experience in scaling iconic brands and her ability to build and inspire high-performing teams make her the ideal leader to take our marketing efforts to the next level.” Fransmart said it has sold more than 5,000 franchises globally over the past 20 years, including emerging concepts. Current brands in the Fransmart portfolio include HB Protein Smoothies, Konala shakes, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, and Natural Hounds, among others.

The Scottsdale, Arizona-based company notes that Rowe has identified and grown multiple well-known franchise brands including Five Guys Burgers & Fries, QDOBA Mexican Grill and The Halal Guys.