Chobani Founder, President and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya was honored at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for the New York area as the winner in the retail and consumer products category. Ulukaya was selected as a leading entrepreneur by an independent judging panel made up of previous winners of the award, leading CEOs, private capital investors and other regional business leaders. The winners were revealed at a gala on June 19 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.
Ulukaya defines the “American dream.” A Turkish immigrant, his entrepreneurial vision led to one of the world’s fastest growing consumer brands in the U.S., Chobani Greek Yogurt.
Ulukaya recognized the opportunity to bring high-quality, authentic dairy products to American consumers in a mass way. His vision for Chobani effectively transformed the U.S. yogurt category and sent longtime industry leaders scrambling to catch up.
He never lost sight of his goal: to make honestly-positioned, high quality, fairly-priced products so that everyone – regardless of income or geographic location – could have access to “good” yogurt.
“I’m honored to be recognized among such accomplished fellow entrepreneurs by Ernst & Young,” said Ulukaya.
“We started Chobani in 2005 with five people and are now over 1,200 strong. I couldn't have done this without my great team who has helped me build this business one cup at a time and make Chobani America’s No. 1 yogurt brand.”
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. It encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership andachievement. PD
—From Chobani news release
