Ben & Jerry's Sues Unilever Over Controversial CEO Dismissal
Ben & Jerry's is suing parent company Unilever over the alleged unlawful termination of CEO David Stever, claiming the firing violated their 2000 merger agreement. The dispute centers around the ice cream maker's commitment to social justice initiatives and political advocacy.
Man stands by Ben & Jerry's mural
The lawsuit alleges Unilever failed to consult Ben & Jerry's independent board before firing Stever, a requirement under their merger agreement that protects the brand's independence and social mission. Ben & Jerry's claims Stever's dismissal was directly related to his support of the company's outspoken positions on social and political issues.
This conflict follows a 2022 dispute when Unilever blocked Ben & Jerry's attempt to stop selling products in the occupied West Bank. The current lawsuit also alleges Unilever "muzzled" the company's ability to support Palestinian refugees and threatened employees who attempted to speak out.
David Steever wearing yellow hat
Stever, a company veteran since 1988, started as a tour guide and rose through the ranks to become chief marketing officer before being named CEO - the first internal promotion to this position in the company's history. Ben & Jerry's argues his termination wasn't performance-related but rather an attempt to install leadership more compliant with Unilever's less controversial business approach.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between Ben & Jerry's commitment to social activism - including support for causes like Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, climate action, and migrant justice - and Unilever's more conservative corporate stance. Unilever has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.