Who Is Jerry Greenfield? Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Leaves After 47 Years

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has stepped down after 47 years. He said he could no longer work under Unilever, which owns the ice cream company. Greenfield explained that the brand’s voice for peace and justice has been silenced. His exit marks the end of an era for the company he built with Ben Cohen in 1978.

Greenfield called the decision “painful” but said it was necessary. He stressed his love for the employees and the mission of the company. But he said its independence no longer exists under corporate control.

Why Jerry Greenfield Left Ben & Jerry’s

Greenfield said Unilever has stripped Ben & Jerry’s of its independence. According to Reuters, he explained that when Unilever bought the company in 2000, there was an agreement to protect its social mission. For many years, Ben & Jerry’s used that freedom to speak out on civil rights, climate change, and global conflicts.

He said that protection is now gone. Greenfield pointed to corporate fear of upsetting powerful groups. He argued that the company’s silence comes at a time when rights and freedoms are under attack. “It was always about more than ice cream,” he said. “It was about love, equity, and justice.”

Unilever has faced disputes with Ben & Jerry’s before. In 2021, the brand announced it would not sell in Israeli settlements. Unilever later sold that part of the business to a local firm. More recently, the company blocked statements on Gaza and removed Ben & Jerry’s CEO, sparking legal action.

The Legacy and Future of Ben & Jerry’s

Greenfield and Cohen started the business in a small Vermont shop in 1978. Over time, they created iconic flavors like Cherry Garcia and Half Baked. They also made activism part of the brand. Campaigns for voting rights, LGBTQ equality, and climate action became central to its image.

Reports place Greenfield’s net worth between $145 million and $150 million. Despite his personal success, he said values mattered more than profits. He promised to continue his fight for justice outside the company.

Unilever plans to spin off its ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry’s, into a new group called The Magnum Ice Cream Company by the end of 2025. In a statement, the company thanked Greenfield but rejected his claims, saying it remains committed to “peace, love, and ice cream.”

Jerry Greenfield’s departure highlights the clash between corporate control and social activism. His decision raises fresh questions about whether brands can stay true to their values when owned by global giants.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: Who is Jerry Greenfield?

Jerry Greenfield is the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s. He started the company in 1978 with Ben Cohen in Vermont.

Q2: Why did Jerry Greenfield resign?

He resigned after 47 years, saying Unilever silenced the company’s activism. He said independence promised in 2000 no longer exists.

Q3: What is Jerry Greenfield’s net worth?

Reports estimate his net worth between $145 million and $150 million. This figure is not officially confirmed.

Q4: What will happen to Ben & Jerry’s now?

Unilever plans to move Ben & Jerry’s into a new ice cream company called The Magnum Ice Cream Company by the end of 2025.

Q5: What issues caused conflict between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever?

Disputes included ending sales in Israeli settlements, blocking political statements, and removing the CEO. These actions fueled tensions.