Early Life
Hamdi Ulukaya was born in 1972 in İliç, a small village in Turkey's Erzincan province, to a Kurdish family involved in dairy farming. His family's nomadic lifestyle and traditional cheese and yogurt-making practices influenced his later ventures. He studied political science at Ankara University before immigrating to the United States in 1994 to study English.
Rise to Success
Ulukaya's entrepreneurial journey began with a feta cheese business, but his breakthrough came in 2005 when he purchased a closed yogurt factory in upstate New York. Inspired by his family's yogurt-making traditions and dissatisfied with the yogurt options available in the U.S., he developed a recipe for Greek yogurt. Chobani's first product launched in 2007, and within five years, it became the leading Greek yogurt brand in the U.S., generating over $1 billion in annual sales. Chobani's success disrupted the market, increasing the Greek yogurt share from 1% to 50% of the yogurt market.
Key Business Strategies
Ulukaya's business philosophy is centered on his “anti-CEO playbook,” which prioritizes people and community alongside profit. His strategies include creating an employee-oriented culture, supporting his workforce through profit sharing, and focusing on producing high-quality, accessible food. Chobani has expanded its product line, including oat milk and coffee creamers. Furthermore, he has expanded Chobani's presence through acquisitions, most notably La Colombe Coffee Roasters.
Philanthropy
Ulukaya is a devoted philanthropist, committing the majority of his personal wealth to charitable causes, particularly helping refugees. He founded the Tent Partnership for Refugees, which encourages businesses to support the economic integration of refugees. He also signed The Giving Pledge and has donated millions to various causes.