Chobani founder urges businesses to protect communities during tech transitions

Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, described how corporate decisions ripple through towns and supply chains, urging a humane approach to technological and market change.

Ulukaya recounted life in a rural community and the long social effects when a large factory closed: falling home values, fewer jobs and rising social stresses. He said businesses should plan transitions so communities and workers are not left to bear chaotic costs, and highlighted company measures he has taken to share value with employees: "It's the minute in 2016 that I assigned certain percentage of the companies, every single employees in the company."

Ulukaya framed the challenge as both practical and moral: companies must balance efficiency gains from technology with strategies that preserve livelihoods and community continuity. He recommended training, inclusive ownership and planning to reduce waste, protect suppliers and maintain local well‑being during technological adoption.