Whataburger names new CFO
A Texas-based quick-serve hamburger chain has added a new face to its C-suite.
Whataburger has tapped Ryan Moore as its next CFO, effective July 31. Moore has 16 years of finance leadership, largely within the restaurant industry. Most recently, he served for one year as the finance chief of the MOJO Family of Brands, a car wash platform operating 22 brands nationwide.
Moore’s prior leadership experience includes six years as chief financial officer of Torchy's Tacos, and 10 years at Taco Bell, where he served as VP of finance.
"Ryan is a proven financial leader with deep experience in the restaurant industry and a strong track record of helping brands navigate periods of meaningful growth," said Whataburger president and CEO Debbie Stroud. "He's a collaborative leader who understands that when you invest wisely in your people, your operations and the customer experience, stronger financial results follow. He also understands how to create sustainable growth while protecting the qualities that have made Whataburger an iconic brand for 76 years.”
Moore succeeds Janelle Sykes, who will retire in September after more than six years with Whataburger. Sykes joined the company in February 2020 and has served as its chief financial officer through a period of expansive growth, as the company expanded from 860 restaurants across 11 states to nearly 1,200 across a 17-state footprint today.
Sykes will work alongside Moore through September to support a smooth transition.
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"Whataburger is an iconic regional brand with the opportunity to become a national player," Moore said. "Success means finding the right way to share Whataburger with people who have not yet had the opportunity to experience it, while keeping the core essence and heart of the brand. It means making the right investments, taking the right risks and adapting thoughtfully as we enter new markets."
