Ed Nelson will retire from his position as CEO of Whataburger at the end of 2024. Debbie Stroud, currently Whataburger’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, will step into the president and CEO roles effective January 1, 2025.

A veteran of the restaurant and retail industries with more than 30 years of experience, Stroud joined Whataburger in early 2023. Previously, she served as sr. vice president of U.S. retail operations at Starbucks Coffee Company. Prior to her five years with Starbucks, Stroud spent 27 years with McDonald's, where she served in financial and operational roles.

Nelson joined Whataburger in 2004 as controller. He was promoted to chief financial officer in 2008, president in 2019, and CEO in 2020. Under his leadership over the past five years, Whataburger expanded into 16 new states, opening more than 250 new stores, per a company release.