Core Points - Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, has resigned after 47 years, citing Unilever's failure to uphold commitments regarding social justice made during the acquisition of the brand [2][7] - The resignation highlights ongoing tensions between the founders and Unilever, particularly regarding the independence of Ben & Jerry's to address social issues [3][5] Summary by Sections Resignation Announcement - Jerry Greenfield's resignation is a significant event for Ben & Jerry's, marking the end of a 47-year partnership with the brand [2][7] - Greenfield expressed that the original agreement with Unilever was intended to protect the company's social mission and values, which he believes have been compromised [3] Unilever's Response - Unilever acknowledged Greenfield's contributions and stated that it disagrees with his perspective, emphasizing efforts to engage in constructive dialogue with both co-founders [4][7] - The company remains committed to upholding the legacy of Ben & Jerry's, focusing on its values-based position in the market [4] Historical Context - The relationship between the co-founders and Unilever has been contentious, with previous conflicts arising over social issue statements, including a lawsuit filed by the founders for alleged suppression of their views on the Gaza conflict [5]

Core Points - Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, announced his resignation from the company, citing a loss of independence in advocating for social and political issues as a primary reason for his departure [2][3][5] - Greenfield expressed disappointment over Unilever's influence on the brand, stating that the original agreement allowing the company to advocate for social causes has been compromised [5][10] - Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry's for $326 million in 2000, with a provision that allowed the brand to maintain its advocacy for social and political causes [4] Company and Industry Summary - Jerry Greenfield's resignation marks a significant change for Ben & Jerry's, a brand known for its commitment to social justice and political activism [2][4] - The relationship between Ben & Jerry's and its parent company, Unilever, has been strained, particularly following the brand's decision in 2021 to stop selling ice cream in Israeli settlements, leading to legal disputes [5][10] - Unilever is currently in the process of spinning off its ice cream business, which may impact the future direction and independence of Ben & Jerry's [9]

Core Insights - Jerry Greenfield announced his resignation from the ice-cream company he co-founded with Ben Cohen [1] Company Summary - The company is known for its ice-cream products and was co-founded by Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen [1]

Group 1 - The keynote by Brené Brown at Workday Rising 2025 emphasized the need for leaders to balance technology and human connection in the workplace, suggesting that the future will favor those who can navigate this paradox [2][4] - Approximately 78% of enterprise companies are currently deploying AI, with 75% of Workday customers utilizing Workday AI capabilities, indicating a significant trend towards AI integration in business operations [5] - Brown highlighted essential leadership skills for the future, including paradoxical thinking, situational awareness, and accountability, which are crucial for navigating the complexities of modern leadership [7] Group 2 - A global CFO survey identified three key trends: outsourcing non-core functions, restructuring compliance as a tech-enabled function, and advancing AI adoption, despite challenges in scaling initiatives [11] - More than half (56%) of CFOs reported that AI is enhancing efficiency in areas such as fund performance analysis and automated reporting, although barriers like limited talent and inconsistent data strategies persist [12] - The Federal Reserve is expected to announce a quarter-point interest rate cut, reflecting the current economic environment and signaling potential changes in monetary policy [13] Group 3 - Apple CEO Tim Cook announced a commitment of $600 billion for investments in building factories across the U.S. over the next four years, showcasing the company's significant investment strategy [14]

Core Viewpoint - Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, has resigned after nearly 50 years, citing a loss of independence and accusing Unilever of silencing the brand's social mission [1][2][3] Company Background - Ben & Jerry's was founded in 1978 with a mission to advance human rights and dignity, and it became one of the largest ice cream brands in the US [11][12] - In 2000, Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry's for $326 million, with an agreement to maintain an independent board to uphold the brand's social values [13] Recent Developments - Greenfield's resignation follows a dispute over Unilever's decision to sell Ben & Jerry's Israel division, which contradicted the brand's social mission [4] - Ben & Jerry's had previously launched legal action against Unilever for threatening to dismantle its board over public statements supporting Palestinians [5] - Cohen and Greenfield have sought investors to buy back the brand, valuing it between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion, but Unilever has refused to sell [7] Brand's Social Mission - Greenfield expressed disappointment that the independence, which was a basis for the sale to Unilever, has been lost, stating that if the company cannot stand up for its beliefs, it is not worth being a company [3] - An open letter from Cohen and Greenfield called for the brand to be released from Unilever's control, arguing that the dismantling of its social mission has devalued the business [6] Unilever's Position - A spokesperson for TMICC (the new ice cream division of Unilever) stated that they disagreed with Greenfield's perspective and sought constructive dialogue with the co-founders [8]

Core Viewpoint - Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, has resigned due to growing tensions with parent company Unilever over its stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza [1][4]. Group 1: Company Background - Ben & Jerry's was founded in 1978 by Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen in a renovated gas station and has maintained a socially conscious mission since its acquisition by Unilever in 2000 [8]. - The company has been involved in a legal dispute with Unilever, alleging efforts to silence its political activism, particularly regarding its stance on the Gaza conflict, which it described as "genocide" [6]. Group 2: Leadership and Values - Greenfield expressed that he could no longer work for a company that he believes has been "silenced" by Unilever, emphasizing the importance of pursuing values and social justice [4][6]. - He highlighted that Unilever had previously guaranteed Ben & Jerry's independence to uphold its values when it acquired the company over 20 years ago [2]. Group 3: Current Developments - The resignation of Greenfield marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever, which has been escalating since 2021 when the ice cream maker announced it would cease sales in the West Bank [4]. - Unilever's ice cream unit, Magnum, has publicly disagreed with Greenfield's perspective and has sought constructive dialogue with the co-founders to strengthen the brand's values-based position [6].

Core Insights - Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, has stepped down after nearly 50 years due to conflicts with parent company Unilever regarding the company's ability to address global issues, particularly the conflict in Gaza [2][3] Group 1: Company Independence and Activism - The departure of Greenfield highlights a significant loss of independence for Ben & Jerry's, which was a key aspect of its merger with Unilever in 2000 for $326 million [3][4] - Ben & Jerry's has a history of vocal social activism, including a decision in 2021 to stop selling products in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in response to the Gaza conflict [3] Group 2: Unilever's Position - Unilever disagrees with Greenfield's perspective and claims to have engaged in constructive conversations with both co-founders to strengthen the brand's values-based position [5] - Unilever remains committed to Ben & Jerry's three-part mission, which includes product, economic, and social aspects, and is focused on continuing the legacy of the brand as part of the new Magnum Ice Cream Company [5]

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield said he is quitting the company after 47 years, ahead of Unilever’s planned spinoff of its ice-cream business as a separate entity https://t.co/wH7ktu8WrN ...

Core Viewpoint - The departure of Jerry Greenfield from the ice-cream brand is attributed to the company's inability to support social justice issues that are fundamental to its business [1] Company Summary - Jerry Greenfield's exit highlights a potential shift in the company's stance on social justice, which may impact its brand identity and customer perception [1]

Core Insights - Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, has resigned from the company, indicating a significant shift in the brand's leadership and potentially its direction [1] Company Summary - The departure of Jerry Greenfield, a key figure in shaping the Ben & Jerry's brand, highlights ongoing tensions between the company and its parent organization, Unilever [1]