Famous Turkish Business People

Hamdi Ulukaya is a Turkish billionaire businessman, activist, and philanthropist of Kurdish ethnicity based in the United States. He is the owner, founder, chairman, and CEO of Chobani, the #1-selling strained yogurt brand in the US. Ulukaya established production facilities in upstate New York and expanded operations. He is known for giving 10% of Chobani shares to employees. Ulukaya has a strong commitment to Kurdish rights and achieved significant success with Chobani, earning accolades such as Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2013.

Ahmet Muhtar Kent is a Turkish-American business executive known for his leadership at The Coca-Cola Company. He served as the CEO from 2008 to 2016, overseeing significant growth and strategic initiatives during his tenure. Kent then took on the role of chairman in 2009, further shaping the company's direction and global presence. His contributions to Coca-Cola's success are evident through his dedication to innovation, sustainability, and building strong relationships with stakeholders. Kent's impact on the beverage industry is recognized worldwide.

Uğur Şahin is a prominent German oncologist and immunologist known for his work in cancer research and immunology. He founded and currently serves as the CEO of BioNTech, a biotechnology company that played a key role in developing a major COVID-19 vaccine in collaboration with Pfizer Inc. Şahin's career spans academia, where he held positions in patient care and research at various university hospitals, and entrepreneurship, co-founding pharmaceutical companies to further advance medical technologies and treatments.

Hülya Avşar is a prominent Turkish-Kurdish actress, singer, businesswoman, and former beauty pageant titleholder. She has gained recognition for her diverse talents and contributions to the entertainment industry. Avşar is best known for her roles in numerous films and the popular revenge series "Kadın İsterse." She has also showcased her acting skills on an international level with roles such as Safiye Sultan in Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Kösem and Fatmagül in the movie Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne?. Avşar's professional achievements reflect her versatility and success in the world of entertainment.

Ali Acun Ilıcalı is a prominent Turkish broadcaster, entrepreneur, international TV producer, and businessman. He is the owner of TV channels TV8 and TV8.5, as well as Turkey's digital platform Exxen. Ilıcalı is the founder and director of ACUNMEDYA, an international television production company. His professional journey has been documented in various documentaries and programs, showcasing his evolution from a sports reporter to a successful media mogul. Recognized for his achievements, Ilıcalı has received over 1000 awards and is considered one of the most reputable figures in Turkey. Additionally, he has been listed among the 500 most influential businessmen in the media and entertainment sector by Variety magazine.

Salt Bae, known as Nusret Gökçe, is a renowned Turkish butcher, chef, and restaurateur who gained international fame for his unique meat preparation and seasoning skills, which became an internet sensation in 2017. He is the founder of Nusr-Et, a prestigious chain of luxury steak houses with locations across several countries. Salt Bae's culinary expertise and charismatic presence have propelled him to global stardom, establishing him as a prominent figure in the culinary world and a symbol of luxury dining experiences.

Vehbi Koç was a prominent Turkish entrepreneur and philanthropist known for founding the Koç Group, a leading conglomerate in Turkey. He played a pivotal role in shaping the country's business landscape, establishing a legacy as one of its wealthiest individuals. Beyond his business acumen, Koç was admired for his dedication to philanthropy, particularly in the areas of health, education, and the arts. His contributions had a lasting impact on society, solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader and benefactor.

Demet Mutlu is a prominent Turkish entrepreneur known for her successful ventures in the e-commerce and mobile gaming industries. After leaving Harvard Business School in 2010, she founded Trendyol, which has become a leading e-commerce platform in Turkey and Europe under her leadership as founder and CEO. Additionally, she co-founded Peak Games, a major player in the global mobile gaming industry, which was acquired by Zynga for $1.8 billion. Mutlu's innovative spirit and business acumen have solidified her reputation as a successful businesswoman and investor.

Cem Uzan is a Turkish businessman and politician known for his involvement in the media and banking industries. He has chaired the social liberal Young Party and led his family's media empire, Uzan Group, which included television stations and print media. Uzan has faced legal troubles, with convictions and jail sentences in the UK, USA, and Turkey for fraud-related offenses. He has been criticized for using his professional endeavors to support his political ambitions, leading to allegations of fraud and racketeering.

Berna Gözbaşı is a prominent Turkish businesswoman and sports executive known for breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of football. She made history as the first female president of Kayserispor football club, a prestigious team in Turkey's senior men's league. Her leadership and strategic vision have elevated the club's profile and paved the way for more women to pursue leadership roles in sports organizations. With a strong background in business and a passion for sports, Gözbaşı continues to inspire and empower others in the industry.

Meshulam Riklis was an Israeli financier and businessman known for his successful career in the financial industry. He founded several companies and was involved in various sectors, including finance, real estate, and entertainment. Riklis was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to identify profitable business opportunities. Throughout his professional life, he made significant contributions to the business world, establishing a reputation as a shrewd businessman with a knack for turning ventures into successful enterprises.

Sakıp Sabancı was a prominent Turkish business tycoon and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to the business world. He played a key role in the development of Sabancı Holding, one of Turkey's largest conglomerates. Under his leadership, the company expanded into various sectors including textiles, cement, finance, and energy. Sabancı was also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting education, culture, and healthcare initiatives in Turkey. His legacy as a successful businessman and generous philanthropist continues to inspire others.

Luther George Simjian was a prolific inventor and entrepreneur known for his contributions in the fields of optics and electronics. He held over 200 patents throughout his career, with notable inventions including a pioneering flight simulator, one of the early versions of the ATM, and an improvement to the teleprompter. His innovative work demonstrated a deep understanding of technology and its applications, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the world of invention and entrepreneurship.

Hikmet Ersek is a Turkish businessman known for his leadership as the former CEO of Western Union. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Austria in Denver, representing Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming in the United States. Ersek's professional life is marked by his strategic vision and management skills, demonstrated through his successful tenure at Western Union. His role as an Honorary Consul showcases his commitment to fostering international relations and promoting diplomatic ties between countries.

Matild Manukyan was a wealthy Turkish businesswoman of Armenian descent known for her success as a real property investor and madam. She achieved financial prosperity through her involvement in the brothel business, becoming the top taxpayer in Istanbul for five consecutive years in the 1990s. Her shrewd business acumen and strategic investments allowed her to amass a significant fortune, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in the industry.