TOA Awards 2026 Finalists - CEO & Founders

---

## Ahmet Okumuş

**Founder, RPD Fund Management**

Ahmet Okumuş is the Founder of RPD Fund Management, a highly respected investment firm specializing in value-oriented equity investing. Recognized for his disciplined investment philosophy and long-term approach to capital management, he has built an outstanding reputation within the global financial community while mentoring future generations of investors.

**Profile**
[https://rpdmanagement.com]

---

## Alican Tosyalı

**CEO, Benchmark Rings**

Alican Tosyalı serves as Chief Executive Officer of Benchmark Rings, one of North America's leading manufacturers of premium wedding and fashion jewelry. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its manufacturing capabilities while embracing innovation, craftsmanship, and operational excellence within the luxury jewelry industry.

**Profile**
[https://benchmarkrings.com]

---

## Aydın Şenkut

**Founder, Felicis Ventures**

Aydın Şenkut is the Founder and Managing Partner of Felicis Ventures, one of Silicon Valley's most successful venture capital firms. A former Google executive, he has invested in hundreds of high-growth technology companies, including numerous unicorn startups. His contributions have made him one of the most influential venture capital investors in the global technology ecosystem.

**Profile**
[https://felicis.com]

---

## Aydın Koç

**Entrepreneur, Board Member & Angel Investor | Keiretsu Forum**

Aydın Koç is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and active member of Keiretsu Forum, one of the world's largest private investment networks. Throughout his career, he has advised startups, supported innovation-driven companies, and contributed to entrepreneurial ecosystems through mentorship, strategic investment, and corporate governance.

**Profile**
[https://www.keiretsuforum.com]---

## Emre İmamoğlu

**Co-Founder & CEO, Cibo Vita**

Emre İmamoğlu is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cibo Vita, a leading healthy snack company best known for its Nature's Garden brand. Under his leadership, the company has grown into an internationally recognized food manufacturer, delivering nutritious products to major retailers across North America while promoting healthier lifestyles.

**Profile**
[https://www.cibovita.com]
---

## Eren Bali

**Founder, Udemy**

Eren Bali is the Founder of Udemy, one of the world's largest online learning platforms serving millions of learners worldwide. His entrepreneurial vision transformed digital education by making high-quality learning accessible to anyone, anywhere. Following Udemy's success, he has continued investing in technology and artificial intelligence ventures through new entrepreneurial initiatives.

**Profile**
[https://www.udemy.com]

---

## Eren Özmen

**President, Sierra Nevada Corporation**

Eren Özmen is President of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), one of America's leading aerospace, defense, and national security companies. Together with her husband Fatih Özmen, she transformed SNC into a global technology enterprise recognized for innovation in aviation, space systems, and advanced defense solutions. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential Turkish American business leaders.

**Profile**
[https://www.sncorp.com]

---

## Fatih Özmen

**Co-Owner & CEO, Sierra Nevada Corporation**

Fatih Özmen is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). Under his leadership, the company has become a major innovator in aerospace, aviation, defense, and space exploration technologies. His entrepreneurial success and long-term vision have positioned SNC among the most respected privately owned aerospace companies in the United States.

**Profile**
[https://www.sncorp.com]

---

## Hamdi Ulukaya

**Founder & CEO, Chobani**

Hamdi Ulukaya is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chobani, one of the world's leading yogurt and food companies. Since founding the company in 2005, he has transformed Chobani into a billion-dollar global brand recognized for innovation, quality, and social responsibility. Beyond business success, Ulukaya is widely respected for his commitment to refugee employment, inclusive hiring practices, and philanthropy, earning international recognition as both an entrepreneur and humanitarian.

**Profile**
[https://www.chobani.com]

---

## Magdalena Yeşil

**Entrepreneur, Investor & Founding Board Member, Salesforce**

Magdalena Yeşil is one of Silicon Valley's pioneering entrepreneurs and venture capital investors. As a founding board member of Salesforce, she played a pivotal role in the early growth of one of the world's most influential cloud computing companies. Throughout her distinguished career, she has founded multiple technology companies, invested in innovative startups, and mentored countless entrepreneurs, becoming one of the most respected figures in the global technology ecosystem.

**Profile**
[https://magdalenayesil.com]

---

## Murat Özgener

**Founder, Ozgener Family Cigars | Co-Founder & President, OZ Arts Nashville**

Murat Özgener is an entrepreneur whose career bridges premium manufacturing, hospitality, and the arts. He founded Ozgener Family Cigars, continuing a family legacy in premium cigar craftsmanship, and co-founded OZ Arts Nashville, a nationally recognized contemporary arts center. His leadership reflects a unique combination of business excellence, cultural investment, and community engagement.

**Profile**
[https://www.ozartsnashville.org]

---

## Murat Köprülü

**Angel Investor | EcoSoul Home**

Murat Köprülü is an entrepreneur and angel investor with extensive experience supporting high-growth consumer brands and technology ventures. As an investor and advisor to EcoSoul Home and other emerging companies, he has contributed to sustainable business innovation while helping founders scale their organizations through strategic guidance and long-term investment.

**Profile**
[https://www.ecosoulhome.com]

---

## Oğuzhan Atay

**Founder & CEO, BillionToOne**

Oğuzhan Atay is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BillionToOne, a molecular diagnostics company transforming genetic testing through innovative DNA analysis technologies. Under his leadership, BillionToOne has become one of the fastest-growing precision diagnostics companies in the United States, earning national recognition for advancing prenatal and oncology testing through cutting-edge biotechnology.

**Profile**
[https://billiontoone.com]

---

## Osman Kibar

**Chairman & Founder, Biosplice Therapeutics & Vicinous**

Osman Kibar is a biotechnology entrepreneur, investor, and scientist recognized for founding multiple life sciences companies focused on regenerative medicine and advanced therapeutics. His leadership has attracted significant global investment while advancing innovative research in biotechnology and precision medicine, making him one of the leading Turkish American entrepreneurs in healthcare innovation.

**Profile**
[https://biosplicetherapeutics.com]

---

## Tümay Başaranlar

**Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Atlantis Management Group**

Tümay Başaranlar is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantis Management Group, providing strategic management and operational solutions across multiple business sectors. Through entrepreneurial leadership and organizational development, she has successfully expanded the company's portfolio while supporting business growth and long-term corporate success.

**Profile**
*(https://atlantismgmt.com/)*

---

## Türker Hıdırlar

**CEO, iConn, Inc.**

Türker Hıdırlar is the Chief Executive Officer of iConn, Inc., a technology company specializing in intelligent connectivity and digital solutions. His leadership has focused on developing innovative technologies that improve operational efficiency while helping organizations adopt modern digital infrastructure across diverse industries.

**Profile**
*(https://www.iconn-ems.com/)*

---

## Varol Ablak

**President, Vocelli Pizza | Ablak Holding**

Varol Ablak is President of Vocelli Pizza and Ablak Holding, overseeing business growth, franchise expansion, and strategic corporate development. His leadership has strengthened one of America's established restaurant franchise brands while supporting entrepreneurship, operational excellence, and long-term business sustainability.

**Profile**
[https://www.vocellipizza.com]
---

## Zühtü Akyatan

**Owner, Marble Systems**

Zühtü Akyatan is the Owner of Marble Systems, one of North America's leading suppliers of premium natural stone. Under his leadership, the company has established an international reputation for quality, innovation, and architectural excellence, supplying marble and natural stone products to prestigious commercial and residential projects around the world.

**Profile**
[https://www.marblesystems.com]

---