WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani, has renewed his term as Chair of the U.S.-Türkiye Business Council.
“Hamdi Ulukaya’s dynamic leadership and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in advancing the U.S.-Türkiye commercial relationship,” said Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We are thrilled that he will continue to lead the U.S.-Türkiye Business Council, especially as we work to develop new investment opportunities for global businesses and foster economic growth in both countries with Türkiye as a strategic hub to access Europe, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.”
Under Ulukaya’s leadership, the Council has focused on strategic areas such as agriculture, defense, digital economy, energy, healthcare, travel, and women’s empowerment. The Council represents over 100 leading U.S. and Turkish firms, promoting robust economic ties and mutual prosperity.
Since assuming the role of Council Chair in 2023, Ulukaya, also the Founder of Tent Partnership for Refugees, has been instrumental in keeping the U.S.-Türkiye Business Council at the helm of deepening U.S.-Türkiye relations:
- Mobilizing Support for Earthquake Recovery: One of Ulukaya’s most notable achievements has been his leadership in mobilizing U.S. private sector support for earthquake recovery and relief efforts in Türkiye in 2023, spearheading a donor campaign that raised over $100 million, among the largest in U.S. Chamber history.
- Facilitating Executive Roundtables and Strategic Dialogues: Ulukaya has hosted key CEO discussions, including those on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly that convened U.S. business executives and high-level Turkish government officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to discuss enhancing the U.S.-Türkiye commercial partnership.
- Shaping Trade Talks and Investment Frameworks: Under Ulukaya’s leadership, the U.S.-Türkiye Business Council has played a pivotal role in communicating the business community’s perspective to better inform government-to-government trade negotiations. The U.S.-Türkiye Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) discussions, which had been on hold for seven years, resumed under Ulukaya’s supervision. These talks, which provide a platform for private-sector input, are pivotal in addressing key trade and investment issues and their resumption marked a significant step forward for the bilateral economic relationship.
- Driving Business Engagements: With Ulukaya’s support, the Council has led several business delegations to Ankara and Istanbul, with diverse participation from U.S. and Turkish companies representing key sectors such as energy, digital economy, financial services, aerospace, healthcare, agriculture, and transportation.
- Inspiring Progress Toward Trade Goals: Ulukaya’s headship has been instrumental in inspiring actionable progress toward the $100 billion bilateral trade volume goal, set by Presidents Trump and Erdoğan in 2019. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, the U.S.-Türkiye Business Council has made significant strides in increasing trade and investment between the two countries.
“As business leaders, we have the power and responsibility to shape the future of our industries and communities,” said Hamdi Ulukaya. “I am proud to continue my role as Chair of the U.S.-Türkiye Business Council. Together, we have a chance to build stronger bridges, share knowledge, and create real impact for our industries, our communities, and the world we all share—there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
