Who Is Hamdi Ulukaya? Age, Biography and Wiki
Hamdi Ulukaya was born on October 26, 1972, making him 52 years old in 2025. Raised in a Kurdish family in Eastern Turkey, Ulukaya's early life on a farm influenced his understanding of agricultural practices and the importance of quality in food production. He moved to the United States in 1994, where he pursued his education in the field of business, ultimately leading to the founding of Chobani in 2005.
| Occupation | Business Executive |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 26, 1972 |
| Age | 52 Years |
| Birth Place | İliç, Turkey |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Turkey |
Popularity
Hamdi Ulukaya's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Hamdi Ulukaya's height and weight are not widely publicized, he is generally regarded as a fit individual. As a businessman frequently in the public eye, maintaining good health and a professional appearance aligns with the demands of his role.
From establishing Chobani, Ulukaya has given 10% of his company's net profits to charitable causes. In 2010 he established the company's charitable arm, the Chobani Shepherd's Gift Foundation, now called the Chobani Foundation, to manage this philanthropy.
Donations have included major grants to support famine relief efforts in Somalia, and to underwrite the New York City Pianos project launched by Sing for Hope.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Ulukaya has kept his personal life relatively private. Details about his family and any romantic relationships remain limited. Previously, he was married to his ex-wife, who he divorced several years ago. Currently, there hasn't been any confirmed information regarding his dating status or if he has a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Ulukaya, a Kurd, has stated his strong commitment to Kurdish rights, citing this as a reason for leaving Turkey due to the Turkish state's oppression of its Kurdish minority. He started a modest feta cheese factory in 2002 on his father's advice.
His major success came when he purchased a large, defunct yogurt factory in upstate New York in 2005, located in a region with a history in the dairy and cheese industry since the mid-nineteenth century. Chobani achieved over $1 billion in annual sales in less than five years after its launch, becoming a leading yogurt brand in the U.S. by 2011.
Ulukaya was named the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2013, and Inc. magazine named him as "one of the most important entrepreneurs of the past decade" in 2019. In July 2022, UN Secretary General António Guterres appointed him as an additional advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Net Worth and Salary
Hamdi Ulukaya's net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be around $1.9 billion. This wealth stems primarily from his successful yogurt brand, Chobani, which has become a staple in homes across America and beyond. His annual salary fluctuates based on the company’s performance, but he remains heavily invested in his philanthropic initiatives, which includes a commitment to innovation in food sustainability.
Hamdi Ulukaya (born 26 October 1972) is a Turkish billionaire businessman, activist and philanthropist of Kurdish ethnicity based in the United States. He is the founder, owner, chairman, and chief executive officer of the strained yogurt brand Chobani. According to Forbes, his net worth as of October 2022 is US$2.1 billion.
Career, Business and Investments
Hamdi Ulukaya's career took off with the founding of Chobani in 2005, which has grown to become the largest yogurt brand in the United States. Under his leadership, the company has seen exponential growth, revolutionizing the yogurt industry with its focus on Greek yogurt. In addition to Yogurt, Ulukaya has also ventured into various investments related to food sustainability and social enterprises. His approach to business emphasizes strong moral values and community support, aligning with his philanthropic goals.
After studying political science at Ankara University, in 1994 Ulukaya moved to the United States to study English at Adelphi University on Long Island, New York. In 1997 he moved upstate and transferred to the University at Albany, State University of New York where he enrolled in a few business courses.
Social Network
Hamdi Ulukaya is an active presence on social media. He uses platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share insights about business, food sustainability, and his philanthropic efforts. By engaging with his audience, he seeks to inspire others to contribute positively to society and the economy.
After BJ's and Costco began carrying Chobani in 2009, the company doubled its sales every year through 2013. In December 2012 the company opened the world's largest yogurt factory in Twin Falls, Idaho, a $450 million investment. In 2012 Chobani had more than $1 billion in annual sales, and in 2012 it became the world's leading yogurt brand.
By 2017, Chobani reached a US market share of Greek yogurt of over 50%. Chobani expanded internationally to Australia in 2011, into Mexico in 2016 and by 2021 it exported also to China, Malaysia and Thailand.
Education
Ulukaya attended Anadolu University in Turkey, where he studied Political Science. He furthered his education in the United States at the University of Albany, where he studied business. His academic background has significantly contributed to his successful business strategies and his understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Ulukaya decided to make an alternative to American-style yogurt, preferring the yogurt he grew up with in Turkey. He hired a yogurt master from Turkey, Mustafa Dogan, with whom he spent nearly two years developing his own yogurt recipe.
To manufacture strained yogurt, Ulukaya needed a million-dollar commercial machine called a milk separator, which the American-style Kraft factory did not have. He found a used one in Wisconsin and negotiated to buy it for $50,000.
On his trip to pick up the separator, the name "Chobani", a variation of çoban, the Turkish word for shepherd occurred to him.
