Ben & Jerry’s corporate governance and social mission

Ben & Jerry’s has appointed three new independent directors—Nora Benavidez, Michael McAfee, and Eva Schulte—to its board. These I Class Directors are intended to strengthen the company’s governance model and protect its mission of balancing product quality, financial growth, and social impact. The appointments follow the establishment of a nine-year term limit for directors by its parent company, The Magnum Ice Cream Company.

However, these changes have prompted concerns from co-founder Ben Cohen, who suggested the moves might represent a departure from the brand’s core values. Cohen expressed apprehension that the new appointments and plans to replace the company’s philanthropic foundation could undermine the independence of the social mission or lead to political censorship.

This internal tension occurs amid ongoing legal proceedings, as a judge recently allowed certain claims from a lawsuit involving former board members and the corporate parent to proceed. The lawsuit involves allegations regarding corporate control and censorship. While Cohen raised concerns about the potential for leadership to suppress controversial stances, a company spokesperson maintained that the appointments ensure proper governance according to merger agreements and that leadership remains committed to the brand’s progressive values.