Whataburger announced today that chief executive officer Ed Nelson is retiring at the end 2024 after a career spanning two decades with the brand. Nelson joined the company in 2004 as controller and was promoted to chief financial officer in 2008. In 2019, he was named president and he became CEO in 2020. Under Nelson’s leadership throughout the past five years, Whataburger has expanded into 16 new states, opening more than 250 new stores.
“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,” board chairman Matthew Rose said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for Ed’s leadership and commitment to our mission, and we wish him our very best in his retirement.”
Debbie Stroud, current executive vice president and chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO, January 1, 2025. Stroud joined Whataburger in early 2023 and is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the restaurant and retail industry. Previously, she served as senior vice president, U.S. Retail Operations at Starbucks Coffee Company, overseeing the regional vice president team with responsibility for more than 10,000 retail stores across the country. Prior to her five years with Starbucks, Stroud spent 27 years with McDonald’s, where she served in key financial and operational roles.
“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,” Stroud said in a statement. “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.”
Stroud holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois Wesleyan University and has served on the Women’s Foodservice Forum and other nonprofit organizations.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
