Jerry Greenfield Net Worth 2025: Why the Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Walked Away

Jerry Greenfield has stepped down from Ben & Jerry’s after nearly five decades. He co-founded the ice cream brand with Ben Cohen in 1978. His exit came on September 17, 2025, and the reason was clear. He said the company has lost its independence under Unilever, which bought it in 2000.

The businessman explained that he could no longer support the firm’s direction. He pointed to a shift away from its long tradition of social activism. His words made headlines as he linked the decision to wider issues of civil rights and justice in the U.S.

What Is Jerry Greenfield’s Net Worth?

Reports estimate Jerry Greenfield’s net worth at between $145 million and $150 million in 2025. These figures come mainly from his role in co-founding Ben & Jerry’s. The company, started in Burlington, Vermont, became one of the world’s most famous ice cream brands.

Unilever purchased the brand for $326 million in 2000. That deal secured Greenfield and Cohen’s financial future. At the same time, they negotiated to keep the company’s social mission alive. For years, Ben & Jerry’s used its platform to push for peace, human rights, and climate action.

Now, Greenfield believes that independence is gone. He said the merger’s original promise no longer protects their values. According to his statement, the company has been “silenced” in fear of political backlash. For him, that was the final straw.

Why Did Jerry Greenfield Leave Ben & Jerry’s?

Greenfield stressed that his decision was “painful.” He said his love for the staff and the mission had never faded. But he could not remain part of a company that no longer spoke out on issues that mattered.

He linked his decision to wider political changes. He pointed to attacks on voting rights, women’s rights, and LGBTQ rights in the U.S. For him, Ben & Jerry’s always stood as more than ice cream. It was a tool for spreading justice and love. Without that, he said, staying was impossible.

Greenfield promised to carry forward those values outside the company. His words highlight the clash between corporate ownership and activist roots. His exit is both personal and symbolic, marking the end of an era.

The Broader Impact of His Departure

Ben & Jerry’s is still a major part of Unilever’s $8 billion ice cream division. Its products remain best-sellers worldwide. Yet, the loss of its co-founder raises questions about its future direction.

For many fans, the brand has been tied to Greenfield and Cohen’s personal activism. Their bold campaigns against war, inequality, and injustice set it apart. If that voice weakens, the company may lose part of what made it unique.

The move also adds to the debate about corporate control of socially active brands. Can a global corporation balance profit with activism? For Greenfield, the answer now seems to be no.

Jerry Greenfield’s net worth may stand near $150 million, but his legacy is measured in more than money. His choice to leave Ben & Jerry’s is about values, not wealth.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Jerry Greenfield’s net worth?

Jerry Greenfield’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $145–150 million. His wealth comes from co-founding Ben & Jerry’s and its 2000 sale to Unilever.

Q2: Why did Jerry Greenfield quit Ben & Jerry’s?

He quit because he felt the company lost its independence. He said it no longer upheld its social mission under Unilever’s ownership.

Q3: When did Unilever buy Ben & Jerry’s?

Unilever bought the ice cream brand in 2000 for $326 million. The deal included a unique merger agreement to protect the company’s values.

Q4: What values did Ben & Jerry’s promote?

The company supported peace, justice, climate action, and human rights. Greenfield said these values were at the core of its identity.

Q5: Who co-founded Ben & Jerry’s with Jerry Greenfield?

Ben Cohen co-founded the company with Greenfield in 1978. The two were childhood friends from New York.