Ben and Jerry’s, the beloved ice cream company famous for its bold flavors and even bolder activism, is now in a heated legal fight with parent company Unilever after the sudden removal of CEO David Stever. The company claims Unilever violated their longstanding agreement by ousting Stever without consulting Ben & Jerry’s independent board, sparking a major corporate showdown.
Who is David Stever?
Stever is no corporate outsider—he started at Ben & Jerry’s as a tour guide in 1988 and worked his way up over 34 years before becoming CEO in May 2023. As the head of the company, Stever championed social and political activism, maintaining Ben & Jerry’s commitment to progressive causes even when it clashed with Unilever’s corporate priorities.
Why Did Unilever Remove Him?
According to Ben & Jerry’s lawsuit, Stever’s removal on March 3, 2025, was a direct attack on the brand’s independence. The lawsuit argues that under the terms of Unilever’s 2000 acquisition of Ben & Jerry’s, the company is supposed to operate semi-independently, with decisions on leadership requiring consultation with an advisory board—something Ben & Jerry’s says did not happen.
While Unilever hasn’t publicly commented on its reasoning, insiders speculate that the company was frustrated with Stever’s vocal political stances, which have often put Ben & Jerry’s in controversial territory.
Business vs. Activism
Ben and Jerry’s has never shied away from political and social issues—whether it’s climate change, racial justice, or calling for a ceasefire in global conflicts. Under Stever, the company doubled down on activism, a move that may have made Unilever uneasy.
“This isn’t just about ice cream—it’s about corporate power and whether companies can stay true to their values after being acquired,” said an anonymous former Ben & Jerry’s executive.
The legal battle is just beginning, and its outcome could have massive implications for how brands maintain independence under corporate ownership. If Ben & Jerry’s wins, it could set a precedent for companies fighting to protect their missions from corporate interference. If Unilever wins, it may mean the end of Ben & Jerry’s progressive legacy as we know it.