Ben & Jerry'sUnilever Over CEO's Dismissal and Alleged Suppression of Social Mission
The ice cream maker accuses its parent company of violating their merger agreement by removing CEO David Stever and stifling its independent board's authority.
- Ben & Jerry's claims Unilever unlawfully removed CEO David Stever on March 3, 2025, citing his commitment to the brand's social activism rather than performance issues.
- The lawsuit alleges Unilever violated the 2000 merger agreement, which requires consultation with Ben & Jerry's independent board before removing its CEO.
- Unilever has been accused of blocking Ben & Jerry's from making public statements on issues like Donald Trump, Black History Month, and Palestinian activism.
- The legal dispute is part of a broader conflict over Ben & Jerry's social mission, which has clashed with Unilever's operational priorities since 2021.
- Unilever plans to spin off its ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry's, by the end of 2025, adding further uncertainty to the brand's future.
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