Hamdi Ulukaya

Turkish-Kurdish entrepreneur who revolutionized the US dairy industry through ethical business practices

Hamdi Ulukaya, founder of Chobani Yogurt, transformed an abandoned factory in upstate New York into a $1.5 billion company while pioneering refugee employment programs. A vocal advocate for social capitalism, Ulukaya pledged in 2016 to donate 10% of Chobani’s profits to global refugee causes through his Tent Partnership for Refugees.

His New York Times feature details how he hired 300 refugees at his Idaho plant despite political backlash. Ulukaya also launched the Food Incubator Program, supporting small food startups from underrepresented communities. Discover his TED Talk on The Anti-CEO Playbook.