NORWICH, N.Y. – The CEO and founder of Chobani is featured in a new VICE documentary called “Moving Humanity Forward.”
Hamdi Ulukaya was chosen for his people-first business philosophy, his advocacy for refugees and efforts to rebuild the local community.
"Once you start doing work on humanity there is this magnet – it just takes you," says Ulukaya in the film. "We must put social issues -- our community, our people -- in the center. And let profit come after. And it will come."
Ulukaya is a Kurdish immigrant from Turkey, and employs refugees from an array of backgrounds at the Chobani plant in Norwich. The film follows their journeys.
"This documentary exemplifies the rippling effect that a purpose-led brand like Chobani can have not only on its employees and local communities, but on a global scale," said Jesse Angelo, president of Global News and Entertainment at VICE Media Group.
Ulukaya started the Tent Partnership for Refugees in 2016, to encourage global businesses to hire refugees. More than 140 companies have participated in the partnership since its inception.
The documentary will air throughout February on VICE TV, but can also be viewed online at vicetv.com or on the VICE YouTube channel here.