Staffing

Whataburger promotes 3 to executive team

Alexander Ivannikov has been promoted to EVP and chief administrative officer at Whataburger. Provided.

March 13, 2023

Whataburger has promoted three team members to executive roles, according to a press release.

Alexander Ivannikov has been promoted to EVP and chief administrative officer. He had previously served as chief strategy and supply chain officer.

Austin Crocker has been promoted to VP strategy, innovation, supply chain and services. Provided.

"During his seven-year tenure at Whataburger, Alexander has displayed exceptional leadership and strategic thinking skills," Ed Nelson, Whataburger president and CEO, said in the press release. "This is a well-deserved promotion. His expertise and experience will be valuable assets as we pursue excellence in our growth strategy."

Ivannikov has 25 years of food, agribusiness and restaurant experience, including leadership roles with Tyson Foods, AGCO Corp.and JBS Foods.

Austin Crocker has been promoted to VP strategy, innovation, supply chain and services. He will play a pivotal role helping Ivannikov manage the company's growth trajectory.

"Austin has the ability to look at the business from a unique and truly creative perspective," Ivannikov said in the press release. "He asks hard questions and has been instrumental in implementing new ideas and processes that bring value to the brand without compromising quality."

Crocker is a 10-year veteran of Whatabuger, where he started on the planning and analysis team. He eventually became director of franchising and he also served as group director of innovation.

"I'm so excited about being able to work on the strategy and innovation for a brand with such a cult following," Crocker said in the press release. "Our opportunity is to innovate in a way that gives our guests the highest quality 'Just-Like-You-Like-It' products and experiences."

Jeff Weinstein, a 24-year veteran of Whataburger, has been promoted to VP, Human Resources, where he oversees all general HR functions. He previous served as the group director of HR.

"Jeff has been a trusted partner to me since I joined the Whataburger Family," Peggy Rubenzer, SVP and chief people officer, said in the press release. "He is a role model for giving and receiving feedback and consistently exhibits his HR professionalism on a daily basis. He has hired, led and developed an incredible team of HR professionals and has become a trusted advisor for Family Members at every level throughout the organization."

Jeff Weinstein has been promoted to VP, Human Resources. Provided.

Weinstein started as a field recruiting and HR coordinator before working his way up through the HR ranks.

"I am humbled, honored and thrilled about my new role," Weinstein said. "I am excited about how we have organized ourselves as a brand to provide better support to our Family Members and deliver on our commitment to be the employer of choice. Of course, I couldn't do any of this without an amazing team, who cares deeply about our Family Members."