As the EVP of Growth and Development, Christina draws upon her experience and passion for innovation to oversee the company’s real estate, construction, store design and several strategic growth initiatives.
Her connection to food began as a child at Minardi’s Bakery of Paterson, New Jersey; the family-owned bakery where she experienced firsthand the hard work that goes into running a successful business and the power of food to bring families and communities together. Minardi relies on those lessons today to build a positive work environment, evoking team member passion and success at Whole Foods Market.
Her career with the company started in Millburn, NJ in 1995 in store leadership at Fresh Fields prior to the Whole Foods Market acquisition. In 2002 Minardi was named Vice President for the Northeast region before becoming the first woman in the company’s history to serve as a Regional President in 2005. Minardi joined the Whole Foods Market Executive Team as the Executive Vice President of Operations in 2018.
Among the recognition she has received for her industry contributions; Minardi was named one of Progressive Grocer’s “Top Women in Grocery” in 2021; Minardi was named one of Food & Wine and Fortune’s “Most Innovative Women in Food & Drink” in 2016; one of New York Business Journal’s “Women of Influence” in 2015; and one of NJBiz’s “Top 50 Women in New Jersey Business” in 2010. A passionate supporter of several mission-based community programs, Minardi was also honored at Hot Bread Kitchen’s 10th Anniversary for her outstanding contribution in 2019, a New Jersey Food Council’s Night of Distinction Honoree in 2015 and the annual honoree of the Bowery Mission in 2012.
A proud New Jersey native, Minardi lives in Wayne with her wife, Annette, and daughter, Jordan. A passionate cook with an insatiable appetite for culinary discovery, she loves exploring the latest restaurants, discovering new food trends and ingredients during her travels and sharing her own skills in the kitchen with friends and family.
