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Ben & Jerry’s changes board governance rules
Yahoo Finance· 2025-12-16 13:55
Corporate Governance Changes - Ben & Jerry's has revised its corporate governance rules, leading to the departure of its board chair and two other members, aimed at preserving the brand's social mission and integrity [1][3] - The updated governance rules impose a maximum term of nine years for directors on the independent board [2] Leadership and Board Changes - Anuradha Mittal, Daryn Dodson, and Jennifer Henderson will leave the board and will not be eligible for re-election after their terms expire in 2026 [3] - CEO Jochanan Senf emphasized that these changes will enhance the company's impact and drive progressive change [3] Criticism and Tensions - Co-founder Ben Cohen criticized the governance changes as a "blatant power grab" that undermines the board's authority and independence [3][4] - Cohen highlighted the contributions of the departing board members in maintaining the company's social mission [4] Recent Developments and Legal Issues - The Magnum Ice Cream Company has begun discussions with the Ben & Jerry's Foundation to address governance issues identified in a recent audit [5] - Ben & Jerry's has previously filed lawsuits against Unilever, alleging attempts to suppress its activism and public statements [6] Historical Context - Unilever sold its ice-cream operation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in 2022, following Ben & Jerry's decision to halt sales in the territory, which led to diplomatic tensions [7]