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Yahya ÜLKER
Board Member
Yahya Ülker graduated from Koç University with a degree in Business Administration in 2016. Following his university education, he worked at various organizations in London and Switzerland, gaining experience in banking and biscuit manufacturing.
Ülker began his career at Yıldız Holding in 2018, joining Northstar Innovation, the Holding’s innovation company. During this period, he played an active role in implementing innovation projects designed as investments in the Holding’s future, with a particular focus on university-industry collaborations.
Since 2019, as the founder of Yıldız Ventures, he has led the establishment of the Holding’s business unit focused on venture incubation and venture capital investments. Through investments primarily in external startups, he leads teams that support the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
He has also held leadership roles in sales operations and e-commerce at ŞOK Marketler, one of Türkiye’s leading retail companies, successfully completing his responsibilities in these areas.
Yahya Ülker currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board and Transformation & Technology Leader at Yıldız Holding. He also serves as Executive Board Member at Continental Confectionery Company, Yıldız Holding’s global gum and confectionery company.
In 2026, Ülker was appointed Managing Director, Europe at pladis, Yıldız Holding’s global snacking company. In this role, he leads pladis’ European business, working closely with country leaders and regional functions to prioritize growth opportunities and drive initiatives aimed at strengthening efficiency and performance.
Ülker is also a member of TÜSİAD, DEİK Digital Technologies, Yeni Bir Lider Derneği and Q Angels. He contributes to the entrepreneurial ecosystem as a startup mentor at Endeavor Türkiye and supports science- and society-focused initiatives as Chair of the Sabri Ülker Food Research Institute Foundation.