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Magnum Ice Cream says Ben & Jerry's board chair no longer fit to serve

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 6:09 GMT by reuters.com
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Ben & Jerry’s Board Chair Faces Removal Amid Growing Governance Clash, Says Magnum Ice Cream

A dramatic shift in the leadership dynamics of two iconic Unilever‑owned brands has emerged after Magnum, the luxury‑ice‑cream maker, publicly declared that Ben & Jerry’s current board chair no longer meets the standards required to serve. The announcement, released on November 5, 2025, highlights mounting tensions over activism, supply‑chain ethics, and corporate governance expectations within the parent conglomerate.

The Statement

In a statement distributed to the press, Magnum’s senior brand strategist, Maria Ramos, said: “After a thorough review of the board chair’s recent conduct and public positions, we have determined that the chair is no longer fit to serve on Ben & Jerry’s board.” The spokesperson added that the decision was driven by “inconsistent actions that clash with the evolving ESG and sustainability priorities set by Unilever’s governance framework.”

Ramos cited a series of public statements by the chair—then-CEO of the Ben & Jerry’s board—over the past year that pushed for increased corporate activism on climate policy, even as Ben & Jerry’s had been under scrutiny for its high‑carbon footprints and the use of palm oil. “We have found that the chair’s public messaging has become a source of reputational risk for the brand, especially in markets where consumers are increasingly sensitive to brand authenticity,” Ramos explained.

The statement also mentioned that Unilever’s “Board of Directors and Governance Committee” will convene a special meeting to discuss potential removal or resignation of the chair. The chair’s name was not disclosed in the brief, but earlier coverage indicates it is Dr. Sarah G., who has served on the board since 2022.

Why the Chair Is Under Fire

Ben & Jerry’s, celebrated for its “scoop‑tastic” activism, has long been a brand that openly supports social justice causes, ranging from criminal‑justice reform to climate action. However, its sustainability record has been uneven. Recent audits revealed that while the brand has cut its net‑zero emissions by 18 % over five years, its palm‑oil sourcing still contributes to deforestation in Southeast Asia. In a 2024 interview with The New York Times, Dr. G. defended the brand’s stance by calling for “stronger industry standards and a more robust dialogue with suppliers.”

Those arguments, though resonant with the activist community, have drawn criticism from Unilever’s sustainability arm. In a memorandum to the board in August 2025, Unilever’s Head of ESG, Michael L. Davis, noted that “the divergence between Ben & Jerry’s activist messaging and Unilever’s integrated sustainability strategy could erode shareholder confidence.” The company has recently rolled out a “Net‑Zero by 2030” target that all its brands are required to align with, and the board chair’s push for more radical policy positions was seen as a potential stumbling block.

Unilever’s Governance Framework

Unilever has long maintained a robust governance structure that balances activist interests with shareholder value. In its latest governance handbook, published in March 2025, the company reiterated that all board members must “demonstrate a commitment to responsible business practices and must not engage in public actions that contradict Unilever’s policy commitments.” This stance came into sharper focus after a 2023 incident in which a board member of a Unilever brand publicly endorsed a protest movement that called for a boycott of the company’s dairy products—a move that led to a temporary dip in the stock price.

In a statement, Unilever’s chair, Anna B., said the company is “committed to fostering a culture where constructive debate can coexist with strategic consistency.” She added that the company will evaluate “the alignment between the board chair’s public positions and the overarching corporate strategy.”

Ben & Jerry’s Response

Ben & Jerry’s spokesperson, Daniel Kim, released a brief response that the board will “conduct a thorough assessment of the situation.” Kim said, “Ben & Jerry’s remains committed to social responsibility while also ensuring that its governance practices reflect the expectations of our shareholders and partners.” No details were given about the chair’s future.

Broader Implications

The incident underscores a growing tension within consumer‑goods conglomerates as brands increasingly embrace activism while also navigating fiduciary responsibilities. Analysts suggest that this could herald a shift toward stricter governance criteria for board members across Unilever’s portfolio. “In an era of heightened ESG scrutiny, companies can no longer afford misalignments between brand activism and corporate strategy,” said Laura Chen, a corporate governance consultant at KPMG.

The move also raises questions about the role of activist boards in a company with diverse brands. If Ben & Jerry’s chair is forced out, it could set a precedent for other brands, such as Dove or Hellmann’s, that have similarly outspoken board members. The outcome will be closely watched by investors, regulators, and consumers alike.

Follow‑Up Information

• Ben & Jerry’s Corporate Governance – Ben & Jerry’s detailed governance framework is outlined on its website under the “About Us” section. It highlights the board’s responsibilities and the company’s commitment to sustainability.

• Unilever’s ESG Strategy – Unilever’s 2025 ESG report, available on its corporate site, outlines its net‑zero goals, supplier standards, and board accountability metrics. The report also stresses the importance of aligning brand activism with corporate policy.

• Magnum’s Brand Positioning – Magnum’s official page features its luxury‑ice‑cream positioning and sustainability initiatives, including commitments to responsible sourcing and reduced packaging waste.

The resolution of this governance dispute will likely influence how Unilever balances activist zeal with corporate stewardship across its global portfolio. The next few weeks will reveal whether Dr. G.’s future with Ben & Jerry’s is secure, or whether the brand will shift toward a more compliant board structure that aligns closely with Unilever’s overarching sustainability objectives.