Billionaire Profile
Fatih Ozmen
Global Rank
#862

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Fatih Ozmen

CEO, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.7B
As of December 2025
Age
67
Source
Aerospace
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
US

Biography

Fatih Ozmen is a Turkish-American aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, serving as the co-owner and CEO of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), a global leader in aerospace and defense. Born in Turkey, Ozmen earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. He began his career at SNC as an engineering intern in 1981 and, alongside his wife Eren, acquired the company in 1994. Under his leadership, SNC has grown substantially through strategic acquisitions and innovation. Ozmen's net worth is estimated at $4.7 billion, placing him among the world's wealthiest individuals. His contributions to the aerospace industry and entrepreneurship have earned him numerous awards and honors.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Fatih Ozmen was born in Turkey and was a former Turkish National Cycling Champion. He pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. His master's thesis focused on navigation and landing systems.

Rise to Success

Ozmen began his career at Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) as an engineering intern in 1981. He and his wife, Eren Ozmen, acquired SNC in 1994 when the company had only 20 employees. Under their leadership, SNC has expanded significantly, completing 19 strategic acquisitions and growing to over 34 locations across the U.S., England, Germany, and Turkey.

Key Business Strategies

Key strategies included strategic acquisitions and a focus on innovation. Ozmen has overseen SNC's expansion into a multi-billion-dollar corporation with a workforce of nearly 4,000 employees. In April 2024, SNC won a $13.1 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force.

Philanthropy

Fatih and Eren Ozmen have a history of philanthropic contributions. They donated $5 million to the University of Nevada, Reno's College of Business in 2014 to support entrepreneurial programs. In 2023, the Ozmen family donated $1 million to the Turkiye Earthquake Relief Fund.

Career Milestones

1981

Engineering Intern

Began his career at Sierra Nevada Corporation as an engineering intern.

1994

Acquired SNC

Acquired Sierra Nevada Corporation with his wife, Eren Ozmen.

2017

Launched Ozmen Ventures

Launched Ozmen Ventures, a $5 million venture capital fund.

2021

Launched Sierra Space

Launched Sierra Space, an independent commercial space company, from SNC's space capabilities.

2024

Won Air Force Contract

SNC won a $13.1 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

University of Nevada, Reno Donation

$5M

Donation to the University of Nevada, Reno's College of Business to support entrepreneurial programs.

Disaster Relief

Turkiye Earthquake Relief Fund

$1M

Donation to the Turkiye Earthquake Relief Fund.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Space is more than a business for us. When we were children, on the other side of the world, we watched the moon landing on a black-and-white TV. It gave us goose bumps."

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Foster a culture of creativity and problem-solving to develop cutting-edge technologies.

Agility

Maintain a flexible and responsive approach to meet evolving market demands.

Integrity

Operate with honesty and transparency in all business dealings.