Ben & Jerry's Enhances Governance to Secure Its Social Mission for the Future

Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc. has recently unveiled a series of significant initiatives aimed at strengthening its corporate governance. These changes not only aim to enhance the responsibilities and operations of its board of directors but also strive to reinforce the company’s long-standing commitment to its social mission.

The Importance of Governance Changes

Since the year 2000, Ben & Jerry's has actively collaborated with its board to ensure it remains a pivotal voice in social progress and in promoting movements designed to foster a more equitable and just world. In alignment with the governance principles and policies of its parent company, The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC), Ben & Jerry's is implementing key measures to bolster its governance.

Key Initiatives Include:

1. A limit of nine years on board tenure that reflects best governance practices.
2. A reaffirmation of adherence to the business integrity code established by TMICC.
3. Establishing a comprehensive board meeting schedule tailored to uphold the company’s three-part mission.

These initiatives demonstrate that Ben & Jerry's remains fully committed to its tripartite mission encompassing product quality, economic fair play, and social corporate responsibility. The company continues to advocate for various progressive and non-partisan causes, underlining the necessity for social justice.

CEO Jochanan Senf emphasized the uniqueness of the merger agreement and the role of the board in ensuring the sustainable future of the company’s mission. He stated, “Today, we are enhancing governance, increasing transparency, and committing to greater accountability. These advancements are vital as they will enable us to be more effective and ignite progressive change in the coming years.”

Board Membership Adjustments

As part of the governance changes, any board member who has served for more than nine years up to this point will not be eligible for re-election in 2026. On this note, it was communicated that two current directors will no longer be eligible to continue serving on the board.

Additionally, all active board members have been invited to reaffirm their commitment to the business integrity code in accordance with the merger agreement.

Insight into the Ben & Jerry's Foundation

A recent audit conducted on the independent Ben & Jerry's Foundation highlighted several important shortcomings in financial controls, governance structures, and compliance policies, including potential conflicts of interest. The findings were shared with the foundation’s directors over three months ago, encouraging them to work alongside Ben & Jerry's management to implement a framework of enhanced governance built on principles of transparency and accountability.

Recommended practices following this audit include a code of ethics, conflict of interest policies, thorough financial checks, and limitations on the number of board terms—common elements among charitable foundations. Since 2000, Unilever has provided over $70 million to support causes through the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, which was fully financed as of 2025.

Future Commitment

Ben & Jerry's and TMICC are committed to continuing support for the Foundation, provided governance improvements are realized. However, as of December 12, the foundation’s directors have declined said funding under the current conditions. Ben & Jerry's and TMICC are ready to explore alternative plans ensuring the company can maintain its positive impact and support for local charitable organizations globally.

About Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's aims not only to create and sell the best ice cream in the world but also to produce high-quality ice cream and vegan desserts using fine ingredients, known for their generous mix-ins and swirls. As a certified B Corporation, Ben & Jerry's integrates its vision of prosperity into its business practices via value-based sourcing. The company operates in more than 35 countries, distributing its products through supermarkets, convenience stores, franchises, and delivery services. Through its tripartite mission statement, Ben & Jerry’s emphasizes product quality, fair financial reporting, and tackling issues related to social, racial, and environmental injustice worldwide.

For the latest information, visit benjerry.com.