Uğur Şahin is the CEO of BioNTech. Şahin is based in Germany. Şahin was born in 1965 in İskenderun and educated at Erich Kastner Gymnasium and Saarland University.
Recent developments
AI summary of recent coverageRecent coverage has focused on Şahin's departure from BioNTech's chief executive role following a leadership transition announced in mid-2026, with Guido Oelkers appointed as the new CEO. Earlier reporting indicated that Şahin and co-founder Özlem Türeci stepped down from their executive positions at BioNTech to establish a new venture focused on AI-powered mRNA therapeutics development.
Summarized from the headlines below; see each source for the full story.
Key Facts
Source: Wikidata ↗- Born
- September 19, 1965 · İskenderun
- Citizenship
- Germany, Turkey
- Education
- Erich Kastner Gymnasium, Saarland University, University of Cologne
- Awards
- Axel Springer Award, Financial Times Person of the Year, Georges Köhler Prize, German Cancer Award, Mustafa Prize
On CEOInsider
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In the News
- Quiver Quantitative·
BioNTech Appoints Guido Oelkers as Chief Executive Officer, Succeeding Ugur Sahin
- BioSpace·
BioNTech picks Sobi CEO Oelkers to lead as founders plot new mRNA biotech
- BioPharma Dive·
BioNTech taps Sobi executive Oelkers as its next CEO
- STAT·
BioNTech names Guido Oelkers its new CEO, replacing Ugur Sahin
- euractiv.com·
BioNTech founders quit CEO roles to build AI-powered mRNA therapies
- European Biotechnology Magazine·
A new departure: BioNTech’s founders step aside – Sahin and Türeci in new venture
- FirstWord PHARMA·
BioNTech founders to depart, create new mRNA-focused firm
- Fierce Biotech·
BioNTech's CEO, CMO prep departure to set up next-gen mRNA company
- Fierce Pharma·
Leerink questions whether BioNTech can thrive without their 'founders' insight' as stock drops
- BioSpace·
BioNTech Founders To Leave Famed mRNA Biotech for New Venture
- dw.com·
BioNTech founders step down to start new venture
- BioNTech·
Our scientific groundwork
Uğur Şahin: FAQ
- What company does Uğur Şahin lead?
- Uğur Şahin is CEO of BioNTech.
- Where was Uğur Şahin educated?
- Uğur Şahin studied at Erich Kastner Gymnasium, Saarland University, University of Cologne.