Ben & Jerry’s has accused its parent company, Unilever, of unlawfully firing its CEO, David Stever, due to disagreements over the ice cream brand’s social mission and political stance. The company claims that Unilever’s actions violate a merger agreement that prevents the unilateral removal of its CEO.
Legal Dispute Over CEO Removal
In an amended complaint filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Ben & Jerry’s argued that Unilever dismissed Stever without following proper procedures. The Vermont-based company stated that, under a 2000 merger agreement, Unilever cannot remove Ben & Jerry’s CEO without first consulting the company’s independent board. The board was established to protect the brand’s identity and commitment to social causes.
Clashes Over Social Activism
Ben & Jerry’s has long been known for its outspoken stance on social and political issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, Black Lives Matter, migrant justice, and GMO labeling. However, the company’s independent board has repeatedly clashed with Unilever over its public statements.
One major point of conflict occurred in 2022 when Ben & Jerry’s attempted to stop selling its products in the occupied West Bank, a move that Unilever blocked. Ben & Jerry’s sued its parent company but later had its request rejected by a federal judge.
Stever’s Role and Unilever’s Actions
David Stever had been with Ben & Jerry’s for 34 years, starting as a tour guide in 1988 before becoming chief marketing officer for 12 years. He was the first employee to be promoted to CEO from within the company.
Ben & Jerry’s first sued Unilever in November 2024, accusing it of silencing the brand on issues such as Palestinian refugees. The lawsuit claims that Unilever threatened the company’s staff if they spoke out on topics it wanted to censor.
On March 3, Unilever officially removed Stever as CEO. The lawsuit argues that his dismissal was not based on performance but on his commitment to Ben & Jerry’s social mission. The company believes Unilever’s actions violate their agreement and undermine the brand’s core values.
Neither Ben & Jerry’s nor Unilever has responded to requests for comment.
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