Associated Press

NEW BERLIN – Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of America's No. 1 selling Greek Yogurt brand, Chobani, was named the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Award winner on Saturday at a ceremony in Monte Carlo. Selected from a group of more than 50 country-winners from across the globe for this honor, Ulukaya was recognized for his disruptive innovation to bring wholesome food to the masses; regeneration of a long-stagnant category; financial success; and personal commitment to building a world-class brand.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from Ernst & Young and in the company of such amazing fellow business leaders from around the world,” said Ulukaya. “What began as just my personal commitment to make delicious and nutritious Greek Yogurt accessible to everyone has turned into a 3,000-person-strong company serving three markets around the world. I look forward to our next 3,000 employees and sharing our food philosophy with even more consumers as we expand into new markets.”

Ernst & Young named Ulukaya the U.S. Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Overall Award winner in November 2012 at its Entrepreneur of the Year gala, the culminating event of the annual Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Springs, Calif. Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. Ernst & Young started the Entrepreneur of the YearAward program 27 years ago to recognize the world's most successful and innovative entrepreneurs. By identifying and recognizing the achievements of outstanding entrepreneurs within successful growing, dynamic businesses, Ernst & Young aims to encourage entrepreneurial activity around the world.