Ex-Ben & Jerry’s Chair Claims Magnum Tried to ‘Smear’ Her

Anuradha Mittal, the former chair of Ben & Jerry’s board, has alleged that Magnum Ice Cream Company threatened her with a public smear campaign. She claims the company planned to release defamatory statements if she did not resign from her position. This dispute has escalated tensions regarding the brand’s board independence and social missions.

Key Details of the Dispute

The conflict centers on the autonomy of Ben & Jerry’s, which is renowned for its activist stance and unique flavor names. Mittal served as chair of the independent board for seven years. She stated that Magnum asserted she no longer met the criteria for her board role, following an external investigation.

• Mittal received a letter informing her of her removal.
• Two additional board members will also be required to step down.
• Magnum announced a nine-year limit on board service.

Financial Concerns and Governance Issues

An audit conducted by Magnum identified serious deficiencies in financial controls and governance within the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. Allegations of conflicts of interest were also highlighted in the findings.

Recent Developments

Mittal indicated that the friction between the board and its owner had intensified. She noted resistance to attempts by Magnum to restrict the brand’s ability to speak out on human rights issues. In her interview with the BBC, she shared that Magnum executives threatened her with negative publicity unless she complied with their demands.

Mittal also rejected an offer for a prominent role in a Unilever-funded nonprofit organization, which she described as inappropriate given the circumstances.

Background on Ben & Jerry’s

Founded in 1978, Ben & Jerry’s is known for its whimsical ice cream flavors, which often reference cultural icons. The company was acquired by Unilever in 2000, allowing it to maintain an independent board. However, this ownership led to ongoing tensions regarding its social activism.

In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s faced backlash for its decision not to sell ice cream in Israeli-occupied territories, leading to the sale of its Israeli operation to a local licensee. This issue was inherited by Magnum following its spin-off from Unilever earlier this month.

Statements from Magnum and Founders

A spokesperson for Magnum emphasized their commitment to strengthening corporate governance and upholding the brand’s social mission. In contrast, one of the original founders, Jerry Greenfield, departed the company, citing concerns about the diminishing focus on social initiatives. Ben Cohen, another co-founder, has criticized Magnum’s ownership, declaring it unfit to preserve the company’s values.

Despite the turmoil, Magnum asserts its dedication to Ben & Jerry’s mission, affirming its progressive values and a commitment to social justice.