Overview
- Greenfield, 74, announced his departure after 47 years, saying Ben & Jerry’s has been reduced to silence for fear of upsetting those in power.
- He argues the autonomy promised in the 2000 sale to Unilever, meant to protect the company’s social mission, has disappeared.
- The founders recently urged a separation before the listing, with Ben Cohen saying a $1.5–$2.5 billion sale proposal was rebuffed by TMIC chief Peter ter Kulve.
- TMIC said it does not share Greenfield’s view, noted it sought constructive talks with both founders, and thanked him for his role in creating the brand.
- Unilever’s ice-cream brands were grouped into TMIC on July 1, with a mid-November IPO planned and Unilever retaining a 20% stake to be sold over five years.