The 'Jerry' in Ben & Jerry's Is Quitting

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]