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Hamdi Ulukaya

26 October 1972 – present

Hamdi Ulukaya is a Turkish-American businessman, born in 1972 to a Kurdish dairy-farming family in Ilic, Erzincan Province, Turkey. After moving to the United States in the mid-1990s he founded a feta cheese business in upstate New York and, in 2005, bought a disused yogurt plant in South Edmeston, launching the strained-yogurt brand Chobani two years later. He has since used the company to fund refugee employment initiatives and signed the Giving Pledge.

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Life events

Born in Ilic, Erzincan Province, Turkey
26 October 1972

Born into a Kurdish family that raised sheep and goats and made cheese and yogurt.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Moved to the United States
1994

Left Turkey for New York State, where he initially studied English.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relocation ✓
Studied English and business in New York State
c. 1995

Took English courses at Adelphi University and later studied business at the University at Albany.

Education ?
Founded the feta cheese company Euphrates in Johnstown, New York
2002

Started a small cheese-making business after his father suggested importing the family's craft.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Bought a closed yogurt plant in South Edmeston, New York
2005

Purchased a former Kraft Foods factory with the help of a Small Business Administration loan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Launched the Chobani yogurt brand
2007

The first cups of Chobani strained yogurt shipped to retailers, and the brand grew rapidly over the following years.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Signed the Giving Pledge
2015

Committed to give the majority of his wealth away, citing refugee relief as a priority.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Other ✓
Announced an employee ownership programme at Chobani
2016

Told staff that they would receive shares in the company based on length of service.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Founded the Tent Partnership for Refugees
2016

Set up an organisation encouraging businesses to hire and support refugees.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓