TEXAS, USA — Texas-based burger chain Whataburger announced via a press release Tuesday that its CEO is retiring.
Ed Nelson, who served as Whataburger CEO since 2020, will retire at the end of 2024, per the news release. He joined the company in 2004 as Controller and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2008, President in 2019, and before taking his CEO title.
"Ed's passion for the Whataburger brand has been unparalleled, and he has expertly guided the company to new heights, embodying the drive and resilience Texans are known for," said Matthew Rose, Chairman of Whataburger. "We are deeply grateful for Ed's leadership and commitment to our mission, and we wish him our very best in his retirement."
Nelson's replacement will be Debbie Stroud, who is currently EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Whataburger. She will step into the President and CEO roles effective Jan. 1, 2025, the news release said. Stroud joined Whataburger in 2023 after more than 30 years of leadership experience in the restaurant and retail industry. Stroud came to Whataburger after spending five years with Starbucks Coffee Company, where she served as SVP, U.S. Retail Operations.
Before her time with Starbucks, Stroud worked with McDonald's for 27 years where she "served in key financial and operational roles," according to Whataburger's release.
"Debbie has brought a wealth of knowledge and a strong vision for operational excellence and high-quality made-to-order food to Whataburger. We are excited for her to extend her energy and passion for building great teams and delivering extraordinary hospitality to customers across our expanding operations," Rose said.
"I am honored to be selected as the next CEO of Whataburger, a family-founded, beloved brand with a strong legacy and fan base," added Stroud. "Working alongside Ed and our dedicated leadership team has been an extraordinary experience. I am eager to realize the bright future ahead for our company, our 51,000 Family Members, and the communities we serve."
To date, there are 1,052 Whataburgers nationwide in 16 states. More than 70% (738) of them are located in Texas.
"We are dedicated to ensuring that Whataburger continues to resonate deeply with our customers in Texas and beyond, allowing them to embrace our brand as passionately as we do," Stroud said.
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