As Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Janelle Sykes oversees Data and Analytics, Treasury, Accounting, Payroll, Enterprise Risk Management, Supply Chain Solutions, and IT for Whataburger, a regional chain with the highest AUV in the QSR burger segment.
The COVID-19 pandemic began shortly after Janelle joined Whataburger in February 2020 as the Chief Financial Officer, precipitating company-wide changes in business operations and policies. Her leadership and direction helped the brand navigate this unprecedented business climate, introduce new revenue ports, and hit record sales – all while meeting the needs of Whataburger Family Members and guests.
Whataburger has become a nationally recognized brand growing to over 970 restaurants in 14 states with fan-favorite products on grocery shelves in 25 states. This is the most ambitious growth plan the brand has seen to date. That means innovations like the Whataburger Digital Kitchen, new menu items like the Chili Cheeseburger and the Banana Pudding Shake, even adding National Whataburger Day to the calendar. Recent media accolades for the brand include QSR Magazine’s Best Brands to Work For in 2023, and its annual 50 list, ranking Whataburger as the fourth-highest chain earning the most per restaurant in 2022. The brand has risen to #34 in the Franchise Times Top 400 this year.
Janelle previously served as the CFO at San Antonio-based C.H. Guenther & Son Inc., where she led all aspects of accounting, tax, treasury, and internal audit. She spent 30 years at C.H. Guenther, assuming new leadership roles as the company grew from a $ 70-million business to a $1.4 billion enterprise. Janelle also supported the due diligence and financing of more than 10 acquisitions at C.H. Guenther, which has 24 manufacturing plants across five countries today.
A San Antonio native who earned her BBA from St. Mary’s University, Janelle began her career as an auditor for Ernst & Young. She has volunteered as a board member for Goodwill Industries of San Antonio since 2006, including serving as chair of the board.
