Unilever Replaces Ben & Jerry’s CEO Amid Strategic Ice Cream Review
Unilever has removed Ben & Jerry’s CEO, Matthew McCarthy, marking another major move as the consumer goods giant reassesses its ice cream division. The leadership change comes amid Unilever’s broader business review, raising questions about the future direction of the premium ice cream brand.
Leadership Shake-Up Amid Strategic Review
McCarthy, who has led Ben & Jerry’s since 2018, was informed by Unilever of its decision to terminate his position. While neither Unilever nor Ben & Jerry’s disclosed the specific reasons behind the move, it aligns with Unilever’s ongoing strategic evaluation of its ice cream segment, which includes major brands such as Magnum and Wall’s.
McCarthy confirmed his departure and noted that he played no role in the decision. A Unilever spokesperson acknowledged the leadership transition but did not provide details on the company’s next steps for Ben & Jerry’s.
Mounting Challenges for Ben & Jerry’s
Under McCarthy’s leadership, Ben & Jerry’s faced significant scrutiny, particularly regarding its stance on social and political issues. The brand made headlines in 2021 when it announced it would halt ice cream sales in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories—a move that clashed with Unilever’s corporate approach. This led to legal disputes, resulting in Unilever transferring Ben & Jerry’s Israel operations to a local licensee.
The brand’s activist stance has historically set it apart from other FMCG companies, but it has also created friction, both within Unilever and externally with consumers and business partners.
Unilever’s Ice Cream Division Under Review
The leadership change comes as Unilever reassesses its ice cream unit, which has been identified as a segment that needs optimization. Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher previously indicated that certain parts of the business could be divested or restructured to improve overall performance. Ice cream sales saw volatility in recent years, with consumer demand fluctuating post-pandemic.
Industry analysts speculate that Unilever could restructure or even sell parts of the ice cream business, which has struggled with profitability despite strong brand recognition.
What’s Next for Ben & Jerry’s?
As Unilever continues its strategic review, the appointment of a