Leadership Change at Ulker as Ozgur Kolukfaki Takes Over as CEO

Ulker, one of Turkey’s largest food companies and part of a major Turkish conglomerate, has announced Ozgur Kolukfaki as its new CEO.

Ozgur Kolukfaki Appointed CEO of Ulker Following Leadership Reshuffle

Ulker, a key player in the Turkish food industry and a flagship company within one of Turkey’s largest conglomerates, has named Ozgur Kolukfaki as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement follows the transition of former CEO Mete Buyurgan to a new international role within pladis, where he has been appointed as President responsible for the United Kingdom and Ireland.

According to a statement disclosed on the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), Ulker confirmed that Kolukfaki, who has already been serving as a member of the Board of Directors, officially assumes the dual role of Executive Board Member (Murahhas Aza) and CEO as of today. The company’s communication noted: "Yonetim Kurulu Uyesi olarak gorev yapmakta olan Ozgur Kolukfaki, bugunden gecerli olmak uzere Ulker Biskuvi Yonetim Kurulu murahhas aza ve Ulker Biskuvi CEO'luk gorevine atanmistir."

A Background in Global FMCG Leadership

Kolukfaki brings nearly 25 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, having held senior roles in various global markets. He is a graduate of Middle East Technical University (ODTU) with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and later completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

He joined Unilever in 1998 as a Brand Manager and went on to serve in multiple executive positions. Between 2012 and 2015, he was Vice President for Ice Cream, Food and Beverages in Russia. From 2015 to 2019, he was appointed General Manager responsible for Iran and Central Asia. In the following years, he served as Vice President overseeing Ice Cream, Beverages and Food in a vast geography including North Africa, Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Most Recent Role at Hayat Kimya

Before joining Ulker, Kolukfaki held the position of General Manager for Hayat Kimya’s Turkey operations, where he was responsible for leading the company’s strategies and execution in the domestic market.

Ulker, known for its strong legacy in the Turkish biscuit and confectionery segment, is expected to continue its operations with a focus on both local and international markets under Kolukfaki’s leadership. The change in management comes at a time when the group continues to expand its global presence through pladis, its international snacking division.