Fatih Ozmen
CEO, Sierra Nevada Corporation
Fatih Ozmen is CEO of SNC, a next-generation prime providing leading edge technologies and transformative solutions to support critical national security needs. Fatih and his wife Eren Ozmen, who is SNC’s Chairwoman, are the driving force behind SNC’s remarkable journey from small high-tech startup to multi-billion dollar global leader in aerospace and defense.
Fatih came to the U.S. to earn his graduate degree in engineering, and soon got to work on behalf of SNC, as an engineering intern, designing simple and affordable solutions to complex challenges. In 1994, the Ozmens acquired SNC when the company had just 20 employees and grew it to become a global aerospace and defense enterprise. Over the years, Fatih and Eren steered SNC to expand in new and promising directions, including 20 strategic mergers and acquisitions.
Known as a creative thinker and problem solver, Fatih’s broad knowledge and technical expertise guides the dedication to quality and service that is the hallmark of the organization.
Through innovation, agility and best-of-breed, open architecture integrations, SNC is a trusted leader in solving the world’s toughest engineering challenges in an affordable way. For over 60 years, SNC technology has protected and saved countless lives with state-of-the-art civil, military and commercial solutions.
Fatih and Eren own a portfolio of tech companies focused on disruptive innovations that will have lasting impacts on humanity. In 2021, Fatih and Eren launched Sierra Space, an independent commercial space company, from SNC’s space capabilities. Leveraging breakthrough technologies including the Dream Chaser® spaceplane and expandable LIFETM habitat, Sierra Space builds and delivers the future of space transportation, destinations and infrastructure for LEO commercialization.
Over the years, Fatih and Eren have received many prestigious awards and recognition for their achievements and impact. Fatih consistently maintains a 90+% CEO approval rating, an indication of the clear vision and strong culture he fosters at SNC. Under their leadership, SNC has been recognized as a US Best Managed Company for two consecutive years. For their contributions to national security, Fatih and Eren were both honored with the BENS Eisenhower Award. They were also presented with honorary doctorates by their alma mater, the University of Nevada, Reno, and honored as Living Legends of Aviation. Fatih is also a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
The Ozmens’ commitment to advancing American leadership in space, and technological innovation in the interest of U.S. national security, inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and fuel SNC’s consistent contribution as a premier employer in growing American jobs.