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Ben & Jerry’s Sues Unilever Over CEO’s Removal and Alleged Suppression of Social Mission

The ice cream maker claims its parent company violated their merger agreement by ousting CEO David Stever due to his support for the brand's progressive activism.

Sign for the ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's on 6th November 2024 in London, United Kingdom.
Ben & Jerry's, a brand of Unilever, is seen on display in a store in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., March 24, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
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Overview

  • Ben & Jerry’s filed an amended lawsuit accusing Unilever of unlawfully removing CEO David Stever on March 3, 2025, without consulting the independent board as required by their merger agreement.
  • The complaint alleges Stever was dismissed not for performance issues but for supporting the company’s social mission, which includes stances on issues like racial justice and Palestinian rights.
  • Unilever has reportedly blocked Ben & Jerry’s from publishing posts on topics such as Black History Month, Donald Trump, and the detention of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil.
  • The lawsuit claims Unilever’s actions have undermined the independent board established to protect Ben & Jerry’s social mission and brand integrity since the 2000 merger.
  • Unilever plans to spin off its ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry’s, by the end of 2025, adding further complexity to the ongoing legal dispute.