Ben & Jerry’s CEO Ousted Amid Growing Legal Battle with Parent Company Unilever
Ben & Jerry’s is embroiled in a growing legal dispute with its parent company, Unilever, following the removal of CEO David Stever. The ice cream maker has filed a lawsuit claiming Unilever dismissed Stever due to his commitment to the company’s long-standing social mission. The lawsuit alleges that Unilever has repeatedly tried to silence Ben & Jerry’s activism, including blocking its support for Palestinian refugees and halting its criticism of US President Donald Trump. This marks the latest chapter in a tense relationship between the two companies, which dates back to Ben & Jerry’s public stance on political issues like the Gaza conflict.
Stever, who joined Ben & Jerry’s in 1988, was appointed CEO in 2023. He had been outspoken in defending the brand’s values, but Unilever reportedly removed him without consulting the independent board, which was established to protect Ben & Jerry’s autonomy following its 2000 acquisition. Ben & Jerry’s accuses Unilever of violating their merger agreement and attempting to dismantle the brand's social mission. The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions, especially following the company’s 2021 decision to stop selling ice cream in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Unilever has not yet commented on the lawsuit, but the dispute further intensifies as the company plans to spin off its ice cream business later this year. The legal battle underscores the growing divide over corporate activism and brand identity, with Ben & Jerry’s determined to maintain its commitment to progressive values despite pressure from its parent company.
