Ben & Jerry's Accuses Unilever of CEO Removal Over Political Activism
Ben & Jerry's alleges CEO David Stever was removed for his support of social activism, raising concerns over Unilever's commitment to the brand's mission.
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Get StartedThe activism is "core to Ben & Jerry's DNA," and a "key part of its business" in attracting customers, the company's attorneys said in the lawsuit.
The relationship between Ben & Jerry's and its parent company just got stickier
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These accusations are the latest point of contention between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever.
Ben & Jerry’s accuses parent company of firing its CEO over the brand’s politics
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The ice cream maker says Unilever has threatened its CEO, David Stever, as well as other Ben & Jerry's employees, over their support for Palestinian refugees.
Ben & Jerry's alleges its CEO was ousted over the ice cream maker's political posts
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Ben & Jerry’s lawyers argue that Unilever’s “suppression” has reached “startling new levels of oppressiveness — and irony.”
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The company stated the move highlighted "Unilever’s failure to adhere to its contractual obligations" under the merger agreement made when Unilever acquired the ice-cream maker in 2000 for $326 million.
Ben & Jerry's cries foul as parent company fires CEO for political activism
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Ben & Jerry's independent board and Unilever have consistently clashed over the brand's public stance on social matters.
Ben & Jerry's claims Unilever unlawfully fired its CEO over political issues
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Ben & Jerry’s alleged that Unilever’s control over its posts on progressive issues had hit “new levels of oppressiveness.”
Ben & Jerry's says corporate owner fired ice cream maker's CEO over anti-Trump stance
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The amended complaint argues that Unilever’s actions undermine that agreement by suppressing statements that align with Ben & Jerry’s’ decades-long advocacy.
Ben & Jerry’s Says Its CEO Was Fired Over Political Activism
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Ben & Jerry's alleged that Unilever's interference not only violates the 2022 settlement, but has also damaged its brand after decades of social and political activism.
Ben & Jerry's alleges parent company CEO was fired over political posts in new court filing
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Ben & Jerry's alleges parent company Unilever removed its CEO over social activism
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However, the two have consistently clashed over how Ben & Jerry’s communicates that social mission.
Ben & Jerry’s says CEO fired by Unilever because of his political stance
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The court action is the latest episode in a testy relationship between the ice-cream brand and its parent group, which ousted its own chief executive, Hein Schumacher, last month and replaced him with its finance chief, Fernando Fernandez, to speed up a turnaround process.
Ben & Jerry’s claims Unilever ousted its CEO for his progressive stance
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The lawsuit said that Unilever’s motive for the removal of Stever was due to his “commitment to Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission and Essential Brand Integrity … rather than any genuine concerns regarding his performance history.”
Ben & Jerry’s says its CEO was fired for the company’s political posts | Business
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Summary
Ben & Jerry's has amended its lawsuit against Unilever, claiming CEO David Stever was unlawfully removed for his political activism. This follows Unilever's alleged efforts to suppress the brand's social mission, including blocking posts related to Palestinian refugees. The ice cream maker accuses Unilever of breaching their merger agreement, which requires consultation with its independent board before any CEO dismissal. Stever's removal is seen as retaliation for his commitment to Ben & Jerry’s progressive values. Unilever, while disputing the lawsuit, argues that decisions regarding the CEO should be made in good faith consultation with the Independent Board.
Perspectives
Unilever's ousting of Ben & Jerry's CEO is seen as a violation of the merger agreement established to protect the ice cream brand's social mission.
The dispute centers around Unilever's attempts to silence Ben & Jerry's on political issues, reflecting broader tensions between corporate governance and social activism.
The situation raises concerns about corporate freedom of speech and the potential chilling effect on businesses that wish to engage in social and political discourse.
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