Cleveland's beloved Malley's Chocolates has named Megan Gillum as its new president, the first person outside the Malley family to hold that role in the company's 90-year history.
Gillum started with Malley's in June 2024 as vice president of retail strategy and operations. She assumed the president's role in February, but the change was made public via a press release on Thursday, Oct. 23. A spokesperson for the company said the gap between the appointment and announcement was due to the company's diligence in the transition process.
She succeeds former CEO and president Mike Malley, who is now officially retired. Brian Gale, chairman of the Malley's board, will serve as interim CEO with details on a search for a new permanent CEO to follow.
“Leading a brand as cherished as Malley’s is both an honor and a responsibility I deeply value,” Gillum said in the announcement.
“Generations of families have made Malley’s part of their sweetest memories, and my focus is to honor that legacy while guiding us toward thoughtful innovation and continued growth. The quality, tradition and community synonymous with Malley’s will always remain at the heart of everything we do.”
“Our intention has always been to pass the leadership to the next generation of talented leaders who share our values,” Malley said in the announcement. “I have absolute confidence in the leadership team we have assembled to carry the business forward.”
Gillum has nearly two decades of leadership experience in consumer-packaged goods and consulting, including senior roles at American Greetings.
"Her proven expertise and forward-thinking approach align perfectly with the company’s values," said Gale, the company's chairman, in the announcement. "She understands what makes Malley’s special and is deeply committed to keeping that spirit alive for generations to come.”
This is a developing story.