Ben & Jerry’s Says Unilever Fired its CEO over Activism
Ben & Jerry’s says that parent company Unilever decided to remove its Chief Executive David Stever in a dispute over its activism.
The company says that Unilever advised on 3 March it was removing David because of his commitment to the brand’s social mission, not because of concerns about his job performance.
The allegation is part of a lawsuit where Ben & Jerry’s is looking to stop 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," Ben & Jerry’s filing says.
A spokesperson from Unilever said: "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.
About 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, said on his appointment in May 2023 that David is “the best choice to write the next chapter in Ben & Jerry’s remarkable story”.
The brand’s website says that David has been involved in numerous campaigns and initiatives, including commitments to use Fair Trade ingredients, supporting LGBTQ+ rights and fighting climate change.
It is not currently clear if David still holds his position as CEO.
Ben & Jerry’s social action
Ben & Jerry’s regularly takes public stances on social issues.
Its Core Values, detailed 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 says.
Unilever’s relationship with Ben & Jerry’s
Unilever bought Ben & Jerry’s in 2000. The brand operates as an independent subsidiary.
In the acquisition agreement, Unilever agreed to carry on the company's tradition of engaging "in these critical, global economic and social missions".
The agreement requires an independent board to approve any changes made 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 it would be ending its relationship with its Israel franchisee.
Unilever then sold the Israeli ice cream business, sparking a legal battle that was later resolved.
In February 2025, Ben & Jerry’s accused Unilever of demanding it not criticise US President Donald Trump in a lawsuit.
Some reports have said founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield are considering buying the brand back from Unilever.
Unilever plans to spin off its ice cream business, including brands 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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