Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Quits After 47 Years, Citing Loss of Independence and Unilever Interference in Social Activism Mission

Jerry Greenfield, the co-founder of iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, has announced his resignation after 47 years with the company, sparking shockwaves in the business and social activism communities. Greenfield, alongside fellow co-founder Ben Cohen, built the company into a global brand renowned not just for its ice cream but for its strong commitment to social justice and progressive causes. The resignation highlights growing tensions between Ben & Jerry’s founders and parent company Unilever over the brand’s independence and ability to advocate on social issues.

Jerry Greenfield Steps Down from Ben & Jerry’s Amid Social Activism Disputes

Jerry Greenfield’s resignation marks the end of an era for Ben & Jerry’s, a brand widely recognized for blending innovative ice cream flavors with activism. Greenfield cited Unilever’s interference as the primary reason behind his decision, expressing frustration over the erosion of the company’s independence. In an open letter shared by Ben Cohen, Greenfield criticized Unilever for stifling the brand’s ability to take stands on civil rights and international issues, arguing that such actions contravene the original acquisition agreement meant to protect Ben & Jerry’s autonomy.

Unilever’s Role and the Erosion of Founders’ Vision

The conflict between Ben & Jerry’s founders and Unilever intensified following the parent company’s reversal of the 2021 decision to halt sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This move not only triggered legal battles but also led to Unilever selling its Israeli operations. Greenfield has consistently pointed to Unilever’s actions as a suppression of the brand’s voice in matters of social activism, highlighting a disconnect between the company’s founding principles and the corporate decisions made under Unilever’s ownership.

The Future of Ben & Jerry’s Within Magnum Ice Cream Company

In July 2025, Unilever announced plans to spin off its ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry’s, into a new entity called Magnum Ice Cream Company. While this decision was presented as a strategic business move, it further strained relations with the founders, who had urged Unilever to honor the original agreement granting Ben & Jerry’s a degree of operational autonomy. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have voiced concerns that the spin-off could dilute the company’s mission-driven culture and activist-oriented branding.

Ben & Jerry’s Founders’ Commitment to Activism

Despite stepping down from the company, Jerry Greenfield remains deeply committed to social justice and plans to continue advocating for progressive causes outside Ben & Jerry’s operations. Meanwhile, Ben Cohen continues to engage with the brand and push for a return to its activist roots, emphasizing the importance of regaining independence. The founders’ ongoing dedication highlights the inseparable link between Ben & Jerry’s ice cream business and its historical commitment to social activism, a factor that has defined the brand since its inception.