Seventeenth Annual Leadership Forum

Chicago Chapter will be meeting in-person at Seyfarth Shaw (The Willis Tower) - 233 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 8000, Chicago, IL 60606

NY Chapter will be meeting in-person at a "watch party"- TBD

DC Chapter will be meeting in-person at a "watch party" - TBD 

Elena Kraus

As Executive Vice President & Chief Legal & Risk Officer of Whataburger, Elena Kraus skillfully balances risk and opportunity to guide the company’s strategic decisions. She leads a dedicated team responsible for all aspects of legal governance, compliance and risk for Whataburger, a 17-state brand recognized for having the highest average unit volume (AUV) in the QSR burger segment.

Under Elena’s leadership, the legal and risk team supports Whataburger’s 51,000+ employees and ensures compliance and innovation as the brand navigates its ambitious growth. The company’s culture of excellence has earned it recognition as a Top Workplace for the past three years.

Before joining Whataburger, Elena served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Walgreens, the nation’s second-largest retail pharmacy chain. Her extensive experience in corporate law and governance has positioned her as a vital leader in supporting Whataburger’s continued expansion and innovation.

A proud Longhorn, Elena earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago.