Jerry Greenfield quits his role at Ben & Jerry’s after nearly five decades, saying that Unilever has stripped away the company’s independence and muted the social mission he helped build from the ground up. In an emotional announcement on September 17, 2025, Greenfield confirmed that his departure stems from years of friction over corporate control and the diminishing influence of the founders’ progressive values inside the company.
A Legacy Rooted in Social Values
Greenfield co-founded Ben & Jerry’s in 1978 alongside Ben Cohen in Burlington, Vermont. What began as a small neighborhood ice cream shop grew into a global brand recognized not only for its inventive flavors but also for its outspoken advocacy on social issues.
For decades, the brand publicly championed causes including racial justice, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and fair trade practices. This social mission became as defining as its ice cream. It was this unique blend of business and activism that attracted Unilever to acquire the company in 2000 — under a special merger agreement that promised to protect its independent spirit and progressive voice.
Frustrations With Unilever’s Control
Over the years, Greenfield and Cohen repeatedly raised concerns that Unilever was undermining the independence guaranteed in the merger. While the company continued to grow financially, its freedom to speak out on political and social issues reportedly narrowed.
Greenfield described a pattern of internal pushback whenever Ben & Jerry’s leadership attempted to release statements or take positions on controversial topics. He said the company’s social mission was “sidelined” in favor of corporate caution and risk avoidance. This tension escalated sharply following a 2021 decision to stop selling ice cream in Israeli settlements, which sparked widespread backlash and legal disputes.
The 2021 Turning Point
The decision to halt sales in Israeli settlements marked a major flashpoint between the brand’s founders and its parent company. While Greenfield and Cohen defended the move as a stand for human rights, Unilever intervened to prevent a wider boycott of Israel.
Soon after, Unilever sold the Israeli distribution rights to a local licensee — a move Greenfield viewed as a direct breach of the original merger agreement. From that point on, he said, it became clear that Ben & Jerry’s ability to act independently on moral and political issues had been compromised.
Why Jerry Greenfield Finally Stepped Away
In his resignation statement, Greenfield said he “could no longer, in good conscience, remain part of a company where the social mission is treated as an obstacle rather than a duty.”
He described feeling “silenced” whenever he tried to speak on issues such as Gaza, civil rights, voting access, reproductive rights, and climate action. According to him, even routine communications required layers of corporate approval, eroding the direct, authentic voice the company was known for.
By 2024, internal disputes intensified, including legal challenges over the removal of board members aligned with the founders’ vision. When Unilever announced plans to spin off its entire ice cream portfolio — including Ben & Jerry’s — into a new standalone company, Greenfield saw it as the final sign that the brand he built would no longer resemble its original self.
Unilever’s Response to His Departure
Unilever has publicly stated that it respects Greenfield’s decision but disputes his claims of lost independence. Executives have emphasized their ongoing commitment to Ben & Jerry’s three-part mission, which balances product quality, financial growth, and social responsibility.
However, critics argue that the company’s actions have increasingly prioritized shareholder interests over activism. Many long-time fans believe Greenfield’s exit confirms that corporate consolidation has stifled the brand’s once-vibrant voice.
The Future of Ben & Jerry’s Without Its Co-Founder
Greenfield’s resignation marks the first time in the company’s 47-year history that neither of its original founders will have an active role in its direction. While Cohen remains involved in external activism, he has not held an official role within the company for years.
Ben & Jerry’s faces a pivotal moment as it transitions into the upcoming spin-off structure under Unilever’s ice cream division, soon to be rebranded as Magnum Ice Cream Company. Whether this shift will reinvigorate or further dilute its mission remains uncertain.
For loyal consumers, Greenfield’s exit raises questions about whether the brand can maintain its identity without the guiding influence of its founders. Some fear it could lose the authenticity that made it stand out in the crowded food industry.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1978 | Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen open the first Ben & Jerry’s shop in Burlington, Vermont. |
| 2000 | Unilever acquires Ben & Jerry’s under a merger guaranteeing its independence and social mission. |
| 2021 | Ben & Jerry’s halts sales in Israeli settlements, triggering global controversy and corporate conflict. |
| 2024 | Legal disputes erupt over board changes, public statements, and governance control. |
| 2025 | Jerry Greenfield resigns, citing loss of independence and suppression of the social mission. |
What His Exit Means for Corporate Activism
Greenfield’s decision underscores the challenges of sustaining activism inside large corporate structures. His departure highlights how mission-driven companies risk losing their founding values when acquired by multinational conglomerates.
Many social entrepreneurs see this as a cautionary tale: maintaining integrity becomes harder as companies scale, especially when ownership changes hands. Greenfield has said he hopes his departure will spark conversations about how businesses can protect their values while growing.
Public Reactions and Industry Impact
News of Greenfield’s departure has sparked intense debate among fans, activists, and business analysts. Some applaud him for standing by his principles, while others argue that business realities inevitably limit activism.
Analysts predict that Ben & Jerry’s could face brand loyalty challenges if customers perceive its commitment to social issues has faded. Conversely, some industry insiders believe a stronger corporate focus could make the company more stable and profitable in the long term.
Either way, Greenfield’s resignation ensures that the discussion around corporate responsibility, brand identity, and social justice in business will continue.
Closing Thoughts
The fact that jerry greenfield quits after nearly half a century is more than a leadership change — it’s the end of an era. His departure signals the deep tension between corporate power and social purpose.
As the ice cream giant moves forward without its co-founder, only time will tell if it can honor the mission that once made it so unique. What do you think this means for the future of values-driven businesses? Share your thoughts below.