Early Life and Education
Born in Turkey, Fatih Ozmen was a former Turkish National Cycling Champion. He moved to the United States and pursued higher education, earning a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. His master's thesis focused on navigation and landing systems.
Rise to Success
Ozmen began his career at Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) as an engineering intern in 1981. In 1994, he and his wife, Eren Ozmen, acquired SNC, transforming it from a small company to a global aerospace and defense enterprise. Under their leadership, SNC has completed 19 strategic acquisitions, expanded to 34 locations in the U.S., England, Germany, and Turkey, and grown to over 3,000 employees. A key achievement includes winning a $13.1 billion contract in April 2024 from the U.S. Air Force to develop the next E-4 "Doomsday" plane.
Key Business Strategies
Ozmen has focused on innovation and agility, positioning SNC as a trusted leader in solving complex engineering challenges. The company has invested heavily in technology and has been recognized for its innovative solutions for government and commercial clients. In 2021, the Ozmens launched Sierra Space, an independent commercial space company, from SNC's space capabilities.
Philanthropy
Fatih and Eren Ozmen are actively involved in philanthropic efforts. In 2014, they donated $5 million to the University of Nevada, Reno's College of Business to support entrepreneurial programs.