Ben & Jerry’s has accused its parent company, Unilever, of removing its CEO, David Stever, over the ice cream brand’s history of political activism.
The claim is part of a legal case filed in a US court, in which Ben & Jerry’s argues that Unilever violated a merger agreement that was meant to protect the company’s independent social mission.
Stever, who has been with Ben & Jerry’s since 1988 and was appointed CEO in 2023, was allegedly removed without consultation with the company’s independent board, which was established as part of the 2000 merger with Unilever. Ben & Jerry’s says this move contradicts the terms of the agreement and is part of a broader effort by Unilever to limit the brand’s political statements.
Unilever has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, tensions between the two companies have been rising in recent years. Disputes have previously emerged over Ben & Jerry’s stance on social and political issues, including its decision to halt sales in the West Bank in 2021 and its recent advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza. The company has also alleged that Unilever tried to prevent it from publicly criticizing former US President Donald Trump.
Ben & Jerry’s board chair, Anuradha Mittal, has defended Stever’s leadership, stating that he upheld the company’s mission while also delivering strong financial results. The ice cream brand argues that its commitment to progressive values has been key to its business success and brand loyalty.
BBC, the Guardian, and CNN contributed to this report.
