Whataburger announced that Todd Huetinck has joined the brand as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer. With nearly two decades of global supply chain leadership, Todd is a dynamic professional with expertise across sourcing, distribution, logistics, food safety, supplier quality management, continuous improvement, and product commercialization.
Todd joins Whataburger from CKE Restaurants, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Management, overseeing operations for 3,000 Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants. Throughout his 18 years at CKE, he took on increasingly responsible roles, making significant contributions in food safety and quality assurance.
“I am thrilled to announce that our exhaustive search for a new Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) has concluded. As we continue to promote from within and attract world-class outside talent to our organization, we seek leaders who not only bring relevant experience and industry expertise but also share our passion for Whataburger and our steadfast commitment to fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and extraordinary hospitality,” Alexander Ivannikov, EVP and Chief Administrative Officer said. “Todd embodies these values and will bring his extensive knowledge and experience to support our growth plans as we expand the Whataburger brand to more loyal fans across our growing footprint.”
“At Whataburger, we are sticklers for quality, and Todd’s extensive background in developing quality systems across vast geographies was particularly valuable to us,” Alexander added. “While our growth plans are ambitious, we only expand if we can maintain the same high standards for both product and experience. Todd brings a unique and valuable perspective to the CSCO role to help ensure we uphold these commitments as we grow.”
Todd’s career with CKE began in 2006 in Quality Assurance, where he managed compliance for both Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. During his tenure, he implemented a SaaS system to improve supplier and product management efficiency. In 2017, CKE promoted Todd to Vice President, Quality Assurance, leading Global Quality Assurance and Food Safety for 3,600 restaurants in 40 countries; and in 2019, he was promoted to Vice President of Purchasing and Quality Assurance.
In 2021, Todd became Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management, a role that managed more than $1 billion in annual purchases and led four key departments: purchasing, distribution, quality assurance/product compliance, and restaurant food safety. His leadership extended to overseeing a distribution network of 15 warehouses and collaborating with culinary innovation teams to commercialize new products.
Todd holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California at Riverside and a Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from California State University, San Bernardino. Outside of work, he volunteers as an EMT and firefighter in the Nashville area. Todd and his wife, Jill, will relocate to San Antonio.
Todd’s first day at Whataburger is today, Oct. 1.
“My first experience at Whataburger was more than 30 years ago during a family vacation in Texas. I’m excited to join the Whataburger family and contribute to the brand’s legacy and growth,” Todd said. “I was drawn to Whataburger by its rich heritage and legacy, and I look forward to growing the brand while honoring the traditions that shaped it.”