Whataburger Executive and Leadership Team

Debbie Stroud, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Whataburger, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire restaurant chain. Overseeing national expansion and brand consistency, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every location maintains the high standards established since 1950. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to drive long-term profitability and market share across the United States. By prioritizing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, Debbie Stroud shapes the future trajectory of the organization. Stroud manages complex cross-functional initiatives that align corporate goals with daily restaurant performance. Through rigorous oversight of the executive team, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation and excellence. Ultimately, Stroud secures the competitive position of the brand within the crowded hospitality sector while maintaining the core values that define the company identity.

Ryan Moore, the Chief Financial Officer at Whataburger, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a robust balance sheet to support ongoing growth. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize investment in new restaurant locations and supply chain infrastructure. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Ryan Moore directly impacts the profitability of the entire chain. Moore collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align budgetary resources with strategic business objectives. Through precise forecasting and capital management, the Chief Financial Officer drives sustainable economic performance across the national footprint. Ultimately, Moore provides the financial stability necessary for the brand to thrive in a competitive hospitality landscape while ensuring long-term value creation for all stakeholders involved in the business.

Jay Battle, the Franchisee - Chief Operating Officer at Whataburger, directs the operational success and performance standards for the franchise network. Overseeing the integration of corporate policies into franchised locations, the Franchisee - Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent service quality and operational efficiency across diverse regional markets. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with franchise partners to drive collective growth and brand loyalty. By optimizing operational workflows and supply chain logistics, Jay Battle enhances the profitability of individual franchise units. Battle works closely with the executive team to refine training programs and operational support systems. Through strategic oversight of franchise operations, the Franchisee - Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards expected by customers. Ultimately, Battle strengthens the partnership between the corporate office and franchise owners, ensuring that the brand remains a dominant force in the restaurant industry through scalable and efficient operational practices.

Robert Rohlfs, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Whataburger, directs the internal operational infrastructure and daily execution of corporate-owned restaurant functions. Overseeing supply chain logistics, food safety protocols, and labor management, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that every corporate location operates at peak efficiency. This leadership role involves streamlining complex processes to reduce waste and improve service speed across the national network. By implementing advanced technology solutions in the kitchen and front-of-house, Robert Rohlfs enhances the overall dining experience. Rohlfs works in tandem with the executive team to scale operations effectively as the company enters new geographic markets. Through rigorous performance monitoring and process improvement, the President & Chief Operating Officer maintains the high operational standards required for success. Ultimately, Rohlfs drives the operational excellence that supports the company mission of providing quality food and service to every customer.

Robert Abrigo, the President at Whataburger, directs specific business units and strategic initiatives to support the overall growth of the restaurant chain. Overseeing regional market development and cross-departmental projects, the President ensures that corporate objectives are executed with precision across the United States. This leadership role involves identifying new opportunities for market expansion and optimizing existing business processes to improve efficiency. By coordinating between various functional departments, Robert Abrigo facilitates seamless communication and project delivery. Abrigo works closely with the executive leadership team to refine the long-term strategy and ensure alignment with the core mission of the company. Through proactive management of key business segments, the President drives consistent performance and operational success. Ultimately, Abrigo contributes to the sustained growth and competitive advantage of the brand by focusing on high-impact initiatives that enhance the overall value and reach of the organization.

Scott Hudler, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Whataburger, architects the brand identity and consumer engagement strategies for the company. Overseeing national advertising campaigns, digital marketing initiatives, and customer loyalty programs, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the brand remains relevant and appealing to a broad audience. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer data to refine promotional efforts and drive traffic to restaurant locations. By crafting compelling narratives that highlight the unique quality of the menu, Scott Hudler increases market penetration across the United States. Hudler collaborates with operations and product development teams to ensure that marketing promises align with the actual customer experience. Through innovative digital strategies and community outreach, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the emotional connection between the brand and its patrons. Ultimately, Hudler drives revenue growth by elevating the visibility and desirability of the company.

Peggy Rubenzer, the Chief People Officer at Whataburger, directs the human capital strategy and organizational culture for the entire workforce. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and retention initiatives, the Chief People Officer ensures that the company attracts and maintains a high-performing team. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that empower staff to deliver exceptional service in every restaurant. By fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, Peggy Rubenzer drives employee engagement and operational productivity. Rubenzer collaborates with other executives to align workforce planning with the broader business goals of the organization. Through strategic management of compensation and benefits, the Chief People Officer secures the talent necessary to support national growth. Ultimately, Rubenzer builds the organizational foundation that allows the company to maintain its reputation for quality and service excellence by investing in the people who represent the brand daily.

Elena Kraus, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at Whataburger, directs the legal strategy, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance for the organization. Overseeing contract negotiations, intellectual property protection, and risk mitigation, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company operates within the bounds of all applicable laws and regulations. This leadership role involves providing critical guidance on complex business transactions and expansion efforts across the United States. By proactively addressing legal challenges, Elena Kraus protects the brand reputation and financial interests of the company. Kraus collaborates with the executive team to ensure that all strategic decisions are supported by sound legal frameworks. Through diligent oversight of corporate policies and external partnerships, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer maintains the integrity of the business. Ultimately, Kraus provides the essential legal foundation that allows the company to innovate and grow with confidence.