Three Board Members Removed, Intensifying Internal Conflict

Three board members of Ben & Jerry’s have been removed as internal conflicts intensify within the company. This decision follows the introduction of new governance practices that impose a nine-year term limit for board members.

Details on Board Member Removal

• Chair Anuradha Mittal is among the three members affected.
• Board members Daryn Dodson and Jennifer Henderson will leave by the end of this year.

Mittal had previously insisted she would not resign under any pressure. Her immediate departure, along with the others, signals significant changes within the company’s leadership.

Criticism from Co-Founder

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, criticized the decision, labeling it a “blatant power grab.” He argued it aims to undermine the board’s legal authority and independence.

Cohen highlighted the critical role that Mittal, Dodson, and Henderson played in advancing the company’s social mission. He stated, “They have served this company with integrity and courage, making bold decisions over the years.”

Context of Internal Conflict

This removal of board members follows a series of conflicts between Ben & Jerry’s and its parent company, Magnum Ice Cream. The Vermont-based firm, which was spun off from Unilever recently, aims to preserve its social mission and brand integrity.

• Magnum seeks to strengthen Ben & Jerry’s “non-partisan values-based position globally.”
• Cohen claims that being under Magnum may jeopardize the brand’s identity.

A Brief History

Ben & Jerry’s was sold to Unilever in 2000, which allowed it to maintain an independent board. However, tensions escalated over the years, particularly concerning the company’s social activism initiatives.

One notable conflict arose in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s ceased sales in Israeli-occupied territories. This decision led to the sale of its Israeli operations to a local licensee, further straining its relationship with Unilever.

Additionally, co-founder Jerry Greenfield departed from the company in September 2023, citing a loss of independence due to Unilever’s restrictions on social activism. Cohen shared Greenfield’s sentiments in a letter via social media.

The latest changes signify a pivotal moment for Ben & Jerry’s as internal conflicts and governance shifts reshape the company’s direction and commitment to its foundational ideals.