Ben & Jerry's Claim Unilever Removed CEO due to Activism

Ben & Jerry’s has stated that its parent company, Unilever, decided to remove CEO David Stever following a dispute over his activism.

The company claims that Unilever informed it on 3 March that David was being removed because of his dedication to the brand’s social mission, rather than due to any concerns about his job performance.

This allegation forms part of a lawsuit in which Ben & Jerry’s is attempting to block Unilever’s efforts to "silence" its "social mission".

"Unilever has repeatedly threatened Ben & Jerry's personnel, including CEO David Stever, should they fail to comply with Unilever's efforts to silence the social mission," says Ben & Jerry’s filing.

A spokesman for Unilever commented: "In line with the terms of the acquisition agreement, decisions on the appointment, compensation and removal of the Ben & Jerry's CEO will be made by Unilever after good faith consultation and discussion with the B&J's Independent Board.

"Regrettably, despite repeated attempts to engage the Board and follow the correct process, we are disappointed that the confidentiality of an employee career conversation has been made public. We hope that the B&J Independent Board will engage as per the original, agreed process."

Ben & Jerry’s did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Who is David Stever?

David joined Ben & Jerry’s in 1988 as a tour guide and served as Chief Marketing Officer before taking on the role of CEO.

Ben & Jerry’s Board Chair Anuradha Mittal stated on David’s appointment in May 2023 that he was “the best choice to write the next chapter in Ben & Jerry’s remarkable story”.

The brand’s website highlights that David has been involved in numerous campaigns and initiatives, such as commitments to using Fair Trade ingredients, supporting LGBTQ+ rights and fighting climate change.

It is not currently clear whether David still holds his position as CEO.

Ben & Jerry’s commitments to social justice

Ben & Jerry’s is known for regularly taking public stances on social issues.

Its Core Values, outlined on its website, include:

• Human rights and dignity: Honouring the rights of all people “to love with liberty, security, self-esteem, freedom of expression and protest and to have the opportunity to provide for their own needs and contribute to society”.
• Social and economic justice: “Achieving equity, opportunity and justice for communities across the globe that have been historically marginalised”.
• Environmental protection, restoration and regeneration: A “positive, life-giving environmental impact”.

“Ben & Jerry’s strives to be a social justice company that makes ice cream,” its website states.

Unilever’s relationship with Ben & Jerry’s

Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000, but the brand continues to operate as an independent subsidiary.

As part of the acquisition agreement, Unilever committed to continuing the company’s tradition of engaging “in these critical, global economic and social missions”. The agreement also stipulates that an independent board must approve any changes to the product, licensing deals, new markets and social mission statements.

In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s announced that “it is inconsistent with our values for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to be sold in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” and would be ending its relationship with its Israel franchisee. Following this, Unilever sold the Israeli ice cream business, sparking a legal battle that was eventually resolved.

In February 2025, Ben & Jerry’s accused Unilever of demanding it not criticise US President Donald Trump in a lawsuit.

Some reports suggest that the brand’s founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, are considering buying it back from Unilever, which has plans to spin off its ice cream business, including brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum and Wall’s, by the end of 2025.

Ian Meakins, Chair and Non-Executive Director at Unilever, said: “The Board is determined to transform Unilever into a higher-growth, higher-margin business that will deliver consistently for all stakeholders.

“Improving our performance and sharpening our portfolio are key to delivering the improved results we believe Unilever can achieve.”

“The separation of Ice Cream and the delivery of the productivity programme will help create a simpler, more focused, and higher performing Unilever. It will also create a world-leading ice cream business, with strong growth prospects and an exciting future as a standalone business.”

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