Hamdi Ulukaya

	Personal details
Born	Hamdi Ulukaya; 1972/10/26 (age 53); 🇹🇷 İliç, Erzincan Province, Turkey
Nationality	🇹🇷 Turkish; 🇺🇸 American
Citizenship	🇺🇸 United States
Residence	🇺🇸 New York, United States
Education	Ankara University (Political Science); Adelphi University; University at Albany, SUNY (Business)
Spouse	Ayşe Giray (m. 1990; div. Template:Main otherTemplate:If preview); Louise Vongerichten (m. 2018)
Children	3 (Miran, Aga, Leyla Louise Emine)
Parents	Hatime Ulukaya (mother); Mustafa Ulukaya (father)
	Career details
Occupation	Business Executive, Entrepreneur, Activist, Philanthropist
Years active	2002–present
Employer	Chobani
Title	Founder, Owner, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
Net worth	Template:Increase $2.4–13.7 billion (2024 est.)
Board member of	Council on Foreign Relations; Business Roundtable; Partnership for a Healthier America

Hamdi Ulukaya (Template:IPA-tr; born October 26, 1972) is a Turkish-American billionaire businessman, activist, and philanthropist of Kurdish ethnicity. He is the founder, owner, chairman, and chief executive officer of Chobani, the Greek-style yogurt company that revolutionized the American yogurt market and became one of the fastest-growing food companies in U.S. history, reaching $1 billion in annual sales in less than five years.

Born into a Kurdish dairy-farming family in eastern Turkey, Ulukaya immigrated to the United States in 1994 with little money and limited English. After working various jobs and studying business, he purchased a defunct Kraft yogurt factory in upstate New York in 2005 and founded Chobani, inspired by the Turkish word for "shepherd" (çoban), a reference to his own humble beginnings tending his family's flock.

Ulukaya is widely recognized not only for his business success but also for his social activism and humanitarian work. He has made refugee employment a cornerstone of his business model, with approximately 30% of Chobani's workforce consisting of refugees and immigrants from over 20 countries. In 2016, he founded the Tent Partnership for Refugees, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes businesses to support refugee integration worldwide. He also made headlines that same year by giving 10% of Chobani's equity to his employees, a move that created significant wealth for many workers.

As of 2024, Ulukaya's net worth is estimated between $2.4 billion and $13.7 billion, depending on Chobani's private valuation. He has been recognized with numerous awards for his business leadership and humanitarian efforts, including being named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People and receiving the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' Humanitarian Award.

Early life and education

Hamdi Ulukaya was born on October 26, 1972, in the rural district of İliç in Erzincan Province, eastern Turkey. He is of Kurdish ethnicity and was raised in a modest dairy-farming family near the Euphrates River. His parents, Mustafa and Hatime Ulukaya, owned and operated a small farm where they raised sheep, goats, and dairy animals, producing traditional cheese and yogurt using recipes passed down through generations.

As a young boy, Ulukaya worked as a shepherd, tending his family's flock in the mountainous terrain of eastern Turkey. This early experience would later inspire the name of his yogurt company, Chobani, derived from the Turkish word çoban, meaning "shepherd."

Growing up, Ulukaya witnessed the economic struggles of rural Kurdish farmers and developed a strong sense of social justice and community responsibility. These formative experiences would profoundly influence his later business philosophy and commitment to refugee and immigrant workers.

Ulukaya attended Ankara University in Turkey's capital, where he studied political science. During his university years, he became increasingly interested in business and entrepreneurship, though he did not yet have a clear vision of his future career path.

Immigration to the United States

In 1994, at the age of 21, Ulukaya immigrated to the United States with limited financial resources and minimal English language skills. He initially enrolled at Adelphi University on Long Island, New York, to study English as a second language. The transition was difficult; Ulukaya has recounted living frugally, working various jobs to support himself, and experiencing the challenges faced by many immigrants adjusting to a new culture.

In 1997, seeking a more affordable option, Ulukaya moved upstate to Albany, New York, and transferred to the University at Albany, SUNY, where he enrolled in business courses. It was during this time that he began to develop his entrepreneurial interests, though he still had not settled on a specific business idea.

Career

Early entrepreneurship: Feta cheese business (2002)

Ulukaya's entry into the American food business began in 2002 when, on the advice of his father, he started a small feta cheese factory called Euphrates. The business was modest but gave Ulukaya valuable experience in food production, distribution, and the challenges of building a brand in the competitive U.S. market.

The feta cheese business served specialty markets and ethnic groceries in the New York area. While it was not a major commercial success, it taught Ulukaya important lessons about American food regulations, supply chains, and consumer preferences—knowledge that would prove invaluable in his later venture.

Founding Chobani (2005)

In 2005, Ulukaya came across an advertisement for a fully equipped yogurt manufacturing plant for sale in South Edmeston, New York, a small town in the rural Mohawk Valley region. The 90-year-old facility had been operated by Kraft Foods but was being shuttered as part of a corporate restructuring.

Despite having no experience in the yogurt business and limited capital, Ulukaya saw an opportunity. He secured a loan from the Small Business Administration and purchased the 700,000-square-foot factory. Many business advisors told him he was making a mistake, but Ulukaya was convinced that the American yogurt market was ripe for disruption.

At the time, the U.S. yogurt market was dominated by traditional American-style yogurt, which Ulukaya found bland and overly sweet compared to the thick, tangy yogurt he had grown up eating in Turkey. He believed Americans would embrace authentic Greek-style strained yogurt if it was made accessible and affordable.

Ulukaya hired several former Kraft employees who had been laid off when the plant closed, and together they spent 18 months perfecting the recipe. The result was a thick, creamy, high-protein yogurt with less sugar than most American brands. The name "Chobani" came to him during a drive to pick up equipment—it was inspired by çoban, the Turkish word for shepherd, connecting the product to his roots.

Chobani's explosive growth

Chobani launched in 2007 with a single product: a plain Greek yogurt in a simple white cup. Ulukaya's strategy was to price Chobani competitively with regular yogurt, making Greek yogurt accessible to mainstream consumers rather than positioning it as a premium product.

The yogurt was initially sold in local grocery stores in upstate New York, but demand quickly spread. By 2009, Chobani had secured distribution deals with major retailers including ShopRite and Stop & Shop. In 2010, Chobani secured a contract with Costco, and by the end of that year, annual sales exceeded $100 million.

The growth was staggering. By 2012, Chobani had become the best-selling yogurt brand in America, overtaking longtime market leader Yoplait. The company achieved more than $1 billion in annual sales in less than five years—faster than any food brand in U.S. history at the time.

To meet demand, Ulukaya opened a second, massive manufacturing facility in Twin Falls, Idaho, in 2012, creating hundreds of jobs in the region. The Twin Falls plant became one of the world's largest yogurt manufacturing facilities, pumping more than $2 billion annually into the regional economy.

Chobani's success triggered a "Greek yogurt revolution" in the United States, with competitors rushing to introduce their own Greek-style products. The company expanded its product line to include fruit-flavored yogurts, yogurt drinks, and yogurt for children.

Expansion and diversification

Building on Chobani's success, Ulukaya continued to expand the brand. The company introduced Chobani Flip (yogurt with mix-in toppings), Chobani Drink (drinkable yogurt), Chobani Oat (oat milk products), and various other innovations.

In 2024, Ulukaya expanded his business portfolio by acquiring Anchor Brewing Company, the historic San Francisco-based craft brewery founded in 1896. The purchase saved the brewery from closure and demonstrated Ulukaya's commitment to preserving American heritage brands and supporting local communities.

Business philosophy and employee ownership

Employee equity stake

On April 26, 2016, Ulukaya made headlines when he announced that he would be giving his employees 10% of the shares in Chobani. The equity was distributed to the company's approximately 2,000 full-time employees based on tenure, with the average employee receiving shares potentially worth tens of thousands of dollars.

When Chobani eventually goes public or is sold, many employees—including line workers, truck drivers, and administrative staff—stand to become millionaires. Some senior employees with long tenure could receive payouts exceeding $1 million. Ulukaya's announcement was celebrated as one of the most generous profit-sharing programs in American corporate history.

The move reflected Ulukaya's belief that employees are partners in success, not just labor costs. "This isn't a gift," Ulukaya told employees. "This is a mutual promise to work together with a shared purpose."

Refugee and immigrant employment

A defining characteristic of Ulukaya's leadership has been his commitment to hiring refugees and immigrants. At Chobani's plants in upstate New York and Twin Falls, Idaho, approximately 30% of the workforce consists of refugees and immigrants from regions across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. More than 20 languages are spoken at the facilities.

Ulukaya has repeatedly emphasized that hiring refugees is not charity but good business. He argues that refugee employees bring strong work ethic, loyalty, and diverse perspectives that benefit the company. Chobani provides language training, cultural orientation, and support services to help refugee employees integrate and succeed.

This commitment has not been without controversy. In 2016, Ulukaya and Chobani faced a right-wing backlash and conspiracy theories related to refugee employment at the Twin Falls plant, with some groups calling for boycotts. Ulukaya responded by doubling down on his commitment to refugee hiring and using his platform to advocate for immigration reform.

Philanthropy and activism

Tent Partnership for Refugees

In 2016, Ulukaya founded the Tent Partnership for Refugees, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing the global business community to improve the lives and livelihoods of more than 36 million refugees worldwide who have been forcibly displaced from their home countries.

Through Tent, Ulukaya has recruited major corporations—including Airbnb, Starbucks, Unilever, Hilton, and others—to commit to hiring, training, and supporting refugees. The organization provides resources, best practices, and advocacy to help businesses integrate refugees into their workforces and supply chains.

Tent has become one of the leading global platforms for private-sector refugee support, and Ulukaya serves as its chairman. The organization operates in multiple countries and has helped thousands of refugees find employment and rebuild their lives.

Other philanthropic work

Ulukaya has been involved in numerous other philanthropic initiatives:

**The Giving Pledge**: In 2019, Ulukaya joined The Giving Pledge, committing to give away the majority of his wealth to charitable causes during his lifetime.

**Anti-Hunger Advocacy**: Ulukaya serves on the board of the Partnership for a Healthier America and has supported initiatives to combat hunger and food insecurity in the United States.

**Turkish Earthquake Relief**: In 2023, following devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Ulukaya mobilized significant aid efforts, leveraging his resources and networks to provide emergency assistance.

**Education and Community Development**: Through Chobani, Ulukaya has supported educational programs, community development projects, and local food banks in the regions where the company operates.

Political and social advocacy

Ulukaya has been an outspoken advocate on several political and social issues:

**Immigration Reform**: He has testified before Congress and appeared in media advocating for comprehensive immigration reform and protections for refugees.

**CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion**: Ulukaya is a signatory and active participant in CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

**Responsible Capitalism**: Ulukaya frequently speaks about the need for a more humane and responsible form of capitalism that prioritizes employees, communities, and long-term sustainability over short-term profits.

Personal life

Family background

Ulukaya was born into a Kurdish family in rural eastern Turkey. His parents, Mustafa and Hatime Ulukaya, were dairy farmers who instilled in him strong values of hard work, community service, and compassion for those less fortunate. Ulukaya has frequently credited his parents' influence for shaping his business philosophy and commitment to social responsibility.

In honor of his mother, Ulukaya named Chobani's line of children's yogurt products "Chobani Kids," emphasizing wholesome nutrition—a reflection of his mother's approach to feeding her family.

First marriage and divorce

Ulukaya was briefly married in the late 1990s to Dr. Ayşe Giray, a New York City physician. The marriage ended in divorce, and the relationship became contentious.

In 2012, Giray filed a lawsuit against Ulukaya, claiming that her family had lent him $500,000 to start his business and that she was entitled to a 53% stake in Chobani. The lawsuit attracted significant media attention and threatened to disrupt Chobani's planned growth.

The case was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, with both parties agreeing to confidentiality. Legal experts speculated that Ulukaya likely paid a substantial settlement to resolve the matter and avoid protracted litigation.

Marriage to Louise Vongerichten

On January 25, 2018, Ulukaya married Louise Vongerichten in a ceremony at the Turkish Consulate General in New York City. Louise is the daughter of renowned French-American chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who operates multiple Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide.

Louise Vongerichten is an accomplished philanthropist and entrepreneur in her own right. She is the co-founder and president of the Food Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2016 that provides education and career opportunities for aspiring culinary professionals, particularly those from underserved communities.

The couple's shared commitment to food, philanthropy, and social impact has been a cornerstone of their relationship. They are frequently seen together at philanthropic events and have collaborated on various charitable initiatives.

How they met

While the exact details of how Hamdi and Louise first met have not been widely publicized, their relationship reportedly developed through mutual connections in New York City's food and philanthropy circles. Both were deeply involved in charitable work related to food access, nutrition, and community development, and they connected over their shared values and passion for making a positive impact through food.

Their wedding at the Turkish Consulate was an intimate ceremony that celebrated both Ulukaya's Turkish heritage and the couple's cosmopolitan lives in New York. The event was attended by close family and friends, including Louise's father, Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Children

Ulukaya has three children:

**Miran Ulukaya** – Son from a previous relationship
**Aga Ulukaya** – Son from a previous relationship
**Leyla Louise Emine Ulukaya** – Daughter with Louise Vongerichten, born October 19, 2021

Ulukaya is known to be a devoted father who, despite his demanding schedule, prioritizes family time. He has spoken about the importance of instilling values of compassion, hard work, and social responsibility in his children.

Controversies and challenges

Ex-wife lawsuit

As mentioned above, the 2012 lawsuit filed by Ulukaya's ex-wife, Dr. Ayşe Giray, was one of the most significant personal controversies in his career. Giray's claim to a majority stake in Chobani threatened the company's stability and Ulukaya's control of the business he had built. The case was ultimately settled confidentially, but it highlighted the potential risks entrepreneurs face from disputes with former partners and family members.

Right-wing backlash and conspiracy theories (2016)

In 2016, Ulukaya and Chobani became targets of right-wing conspiracy theories and boycott campaigns, primarily centered on the company's hiring of refugees at its Twin Falls, Idaho, facility.

False rumors circulated on social media and fringe websites alleging various conspiracies, including unfounded claims that Chobani was involved in criminal activities or that Ulukaya was part of a plot to "Islamicize" America. These conspiracy theories were fueled by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment and were widely debunked by fact-checkers and mainstream media.

Some conservative commentators and groups called for boycotts of Chobani products. The attacks intensified after Ulukaya publicly criticized then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's rhetoric on immigration and refugees.

Ulukaya responded with a mix of defiance and grace. He continued to advocate for refugee employment and used the controversy to amplify his message about the economic and moral benefits of supporting displaced people. Chobani's sales were not significantly affected by the boycott calls, and many customers rallied to support the brand.

In one notable incident, a false rumor about a Chobani-related incident in Twin Falls went viral. Ulukaya and Chobani successfully sued one website that spread particularly egregious false claims, sending a strong message about the company's willingness to defend its reputation.

Product recall (2013)

In 2013, Chobani faced a significant product quality issue when it had to recall some yogurt products due to mold contamination. The recall affected certain batches and was handled proactively by the company, which worked with retailers to remove affected products and issued public statements about the issue.

While the recall was a setback, Chobani's transparent communication and swift action helped mitigate damage to the brand. The company implemented enhanced quality control measures and emerged from the incident with its reputation largely intact.

Competition and market challenges

As Chobani's success attracted competitors, the Greek yogurt market became increasingly crowded. Established players like Dannon and Yoplait introduced their own Greek yogurt lines, and new entrants emerged. Chobani faced pressure to innovate and differentiate its products.

Additionally, changing consumer preferences, including the rise of plant-based alternatives and declining yogurt consumption in some demographics, have presented ongoing challenges for the company.

Recognition and awards

Ulukaya has received numerous awards and honors for his business achievements and humanitarian work:

TIME 100 Most Influential People (2013) – Recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world
Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year (2013)
Small Business Administration's Small Business Person of the Year (2013)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Humanitarian Award (2018)
CED Distinguished Leadership Award (2024) – Honored by the Committee for Economic Development
Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy (2019)
Iceland's Order of the Falcon – Awarded by the President of Iceland for humanitarian work
Business Roundtable Member – Invited to join this prestigious CEO organization
Council on Foreign Relations Member

Ulukaya has also been featured in numerous business school case studies and is a frequent speaker at conferences on entrepreneurship, immigration, and corporate social responsibility.

Net worth and compensation

Hamdi Ulukaya's net worth is estimated to range between $2.4 billion and $13.7 billion as of 2024, depending on the source and the private valuation of Chobani. The wide range reflects the difficulty of valuing a privately held company and varying estimates of Chobani's market value.

As the sole owner of Chobani, Ulukaya's wealth is almost entirely tied to the company's performance. Unlike many billionaire CEOs, he has not diversified his holdings significantly, choosing instead to reinvest in Chobani and his philanthropic ventures.

Ulukaya has stated that he lives modestly despite his wealth and that his focus is on building a lasting business and making a positive social impact rather than accumulating personal riches.

Legacy and impact

Hamdi Ulukaya's story is one of the most compelling immigrant success stories in American business history. From working as a shepherd in rural Turkey to building a billion-dollar company that revolutionized the U.S. yogurt market, his journey embodies the American Dream.

Beyond his business success, Ulukaya has redefined what it means to be a socially responsible CEO. His commitment to employee ownership, refugee employment, and stakeholder capitalism has challenged conventional wisdom about profit maximization and inspired other business leaders to consider broader social impacts.

The "Chobani model"—building a successful business while prioritizing workers, refugees, and community well-being—has been studied in business schools and held up as an example of "conscious capitalism."

Ulukaya's advocacy for refugees has had tangible impact, both through direct employment at Chobani and through the Tent Partnership, which has mobilized hundreds of companies to support refugee integration worldwide. His work has helped shift the narrative around refugees from a perceived burden to a recognized economic and social asset.

As a Kurdish immigrant who built a quintessentially American success story, Ulukaya has also become a powerful voice in debates about immigration policy, arguing from personal experience that immigrants and refugees strengthen the American economy and society.

References

External links