Whataburger CEO retiring, former Starbucks executive to step in [Video]

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, …