She was born in Izmir. After completing her secondary education at Izmir American High School, she graduated from Ege University Textile Engineering Department in 1992.
She started her professional career as an Assistant Customer Representative at Yaşar Holding Tekstil in 1991. In 1992, she started working as an Assistant Customer Representative at Sun Tekstil and worked as Human Resources Officer, Production Planning, Sales Manager and General Manager. She currently continues to serve as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sun Tekstil and Jimmy Key.
She is a member of AIESEC Board of Advisors, TAİDER, KALDER, TÜSİAD, EİB and other business organizations. She was a member of the Board of Directors of TÜSİAD and EİB. In the last 10 years, Elvan Ünlütürk has served as Vice President of UN Global Compact Network Turkey, Vice President of TÜSİAD Development Policies Round Table, President of TÜSİAD Social Policies Round Table and President of EİB Promotion Committee.