Her Story
About Kari
Kari McGuinness is a seasoned Whole Foods Market leader with more than 26 years of experience in grocery retail, specialty foods, procurement, inventory planning, and supply chain management. She currently serves as Global Senior Team Leader for Culinary Procurement, Inventory Planning, and Supply Chain at Whole Foods Market/Amazon, where she leads initiatives focused on supply chain efficiency, product quality, inventory management, and procurement. Based in Colorado, Kari combines strong business acumen with extensive hands-on knowledge of specialty foods and retail operations.
Throughout her career at Whole Foods Market, Kari has held a range of leadership and specialty-focused positions. She began her career in marketing as a metro team leader in the Chicago stores before moving into roles involving cheese and adult beverages, where she discovered a passion for specialty retail. She went on to become one of the company's early regional cheese buyers, later serving as Specialty Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Region, where she oversaw specialty foods and adult beverage programs. She subsequently joined the global cheese buying team and developed her expertise in culinary procurement, inventory planning, distribution, and supply chain operations.
Kari is also recognized for her commitment to professional development, mentoring, and leadership. She is a Certified Cheese Professional through the American Cheese Society, earning the credential in its inaugural year in 2012, and has been inducted into the Guild de Formage for her contributions and influence within the cheese industry. A culture champion and Stagen graduate, Kari is passionate about developing leaders and building high-performing teams. She emphasizes sustainable and conscientious business practices and credits strong mentors, training, and continuous learning as important influences throughout her career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kari
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, determination, and a strong commitment to achieving my goals. I continually strive for excellence, stay eager to learn, lead by example, communicate effectively, and seek opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to be true to myself, stay inspired while inspiring others, and be patient. Anything worthwhile takes time, so I believe in trusting the process and continuing to grow along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to stay curious and never stop learning. The more you know, the more you grow, so ask questions, seek knowledge, and be open to learning from every experience.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is continuing to support Whole Foods through effective inventory management, distribution, and procurement. By strengthening these areas, we can help the business grow while consistently delivering the highest quality and value to consumers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, honesty, and kindness are the values that guide me in both my work and personal life. I believe in bringing positivity to others, embracing change, and learning from challenges and obstacles. I strive to treat people with respect and create a positive impact wherever I go.
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