Ben & Jerry’s changes corporate governance rules, leading to chair’s departure. New rules limit board members to nine years, prompting criticism from co-founder Ben Cohen. Tension has been brewing over board independence and activism. Changes aim to enhance brand’s social mission and integrity, says the US business.

The Magnum Ice Cream Company, a spin-off of Unilever, now includes Ben & Jerry’s. CEO Jochanan Senf says changes will drive progressive change. Founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have criticized the move, citing power grab and lack of independence from Unilever.

Ben & Jerry’s board chair Anuradha Mittal, along with Daryn Dodson and Jennifer Henderson, will depart under new rules. CEO Senf says changes will support impact and progressive change efforts. Co-founder Greenfield left in September, expressing disenchantment over lack of independence from Unilever.

The Magnum Ice Cream Company is in talks with the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation to address governance issues. Earlier this year, Ben & Jerry’s filed a case accusing Unilever of ousting its CEO to silence activism. Previous lawsuits involved Unilever trying to ban criticism of Trump and support for Palestinian refugees.

Unilever sold its West Bank ice-cream operation in 2022 after Ben & Jerry’s halted sales in the territory. Israel threatened a boycott in response. Ben & Jerry’s legal battles with Unilever highlight tensions over board independence, activism, and brand values.

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