Murat Ülker
Murat Ülker | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 21, 1959 Istanbul, Turkey |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Known for | Chairman of Yıldız Holding |
Murat Ülker (born 1959) is a Turkish billionaire entrepreneur serving as the chairman of Yıldız Holding, recognized as the leading food corporation across the CEEMEA region (Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa). The company's brand portfolio features Godiva Chocolatier, pladis, and Sok.
Early life
Murat Ülker was born on 21 March 1959 in Istanbul, Turkey, to parents Sabri Ülker and Güzide İman. He earned a business administration degree from Boğaziçi University. In 1982, he further developed his skills at the American Institute of Baking and Zentralfachschule der Deutschen Süßwarenwirtschaft, complemented by training at the Continental Baking Company in the United States.
Career
Starting his professional journey in 1984 at the Ülker Group, a subsidiary of Yıldız Holding, Ülker initially worked as a control coordinator. He climbed the ranks to assistant general manager and subsequently general manager. He was appointed CEO of Yıldız Holding in 2000 and elevated to chairman in 2008. During his tenure, Yıldız Holding grew significantly through strategic acquisitions such as GODIVA Chocolatier in 2008 and United Biscuits in 2014. In 2016, the company unified its brands Ülker, United Biscuits, and DeMet’s Candy Company under the global entity pladis.
Philanthropy
The Ülker family established the Sabri Ulker Foundation in 2009 with the mission to promote public health initiatives related to food and nutrition.
In 2014, they pledged $24 million over a decade to Harvard University to launch The Sabri Ülker Center for Nutrient, Genetic, and Metabolic Research at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The center concentrates on chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Personal life
Of Crimean Tatar heritage, Murat Ülker is married with three children and lives in Istanbul.
A passionate art collector, he sponsored the 2012 Istanbul Modern exhibition "Fifty Years of Urban Walls," which showcased works by Burhan Dogançay and attracted 215,000 visitors.
Ülker played a key role in founding the Ülkerspor basketball team in 1993, which evolved into Fenerbahçe Ülker. The team secured four national league titles, six Presidential Cups, three Turkish Cups, and reached quarterfinals in European tournaments. He acquired naming rights for Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium for a decade and supports the Ülker Sports Arena. While previously backing various football clubs, he later ceased sponsorships.
In 2018, Murat Ülker was acknowledged as Turkey’s wealthiest businessman with an estimated net worth of $4.8 billion.