A report on Friday revealed that Unilever has named a new CEO for Ben & Jerry’s amidst escalating tensions over the brand’s political stance. Yochanannsenf, who has been with Unilever in the Netherlands and previously oversaw Ben & Jerry’s European operations, will take on this role starting this month. This decision comes after the abrupt dismissal of former CEO David Stever, as noted by the Wall Street Journal.
The Independent Committee of Ben & Jerry’s, which governs the company’s social missions and activities from its Vermont base, filed a formal complaint in March criticizing Unilever for ousting Stever, who had been with the company since 1988, starting as a tour guide at their Waterbury factory.
When Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000, a board of directors was established through the terms of the purchase, granting them oversight—with restrictions regarding candidate interviews.
According to unnamed sources, the committee was also excluded from the board’s appointment processes related to political activities, such as anti-Trump initiatives and protests about Israel’s actions during the ongoing conflict.
A spokesperson for Magnum Ice Cream Company refuted claims that the Independent Committee was sidelined during the search for a new CEO, saying they were invited to engage constructively but chose not to.
Ben & Jerry’s did not immediately provide comments when approached for a response.
In a memo to staff on Thursday, the company emphasized the need for integrity and cooperation throughout their processes, as reported by the journal.
Unilever encouraged the appointment committee members to actively participate in the candidate interviews and give their insights. However, they stated that the Independent Committee’s response was to postpone and threaten legal action.
In the complaint filed in March, it was argued that Unilever’s actions concerning Stever violated the merger agreement for Ben & Jerry.
Unilever maintains that it has the authority to appoint a new CEO, having made this choice following discussions with the board.
This year, Unilever intends to spin off its ice cream division, which will be renamed Magnum Ice Cream Company, and it will operate as a separate entity in the Netherlands.
When they publicized the spinoff earlier this year, Unilever clarified that, despite requests from the founders for the sale of Ben & Jerry’s, they had no intention of doing so.
Established in 1978 by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield from Long Island, New York, the company gained fame for its whimsical flavors like Chunky Monkey and Fish Food.
