Jerry Greenfield Bids Farewell to Ben & Jerry’s After 45 Sweet Years

Danielle Aiken

Editor in Chief

Jerry Greenfield, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, the beloved ice cream brand known for its quirky flavors and progressive values, recently announced that he will be leaving the company he helped build nearly 45 years ago.

Greenfield and his childhood friend, Ben Cohen, started Ben & Jerry’s in 1978 with a small ice cream scoop shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. What began as a modest local business quickly grew into a globally recognized brand, noted for its innovative flavors and its outspoken stance on social and environmental issues.

In a statement released on Sept. 17, Greenfield said the decision to step away was bittersweet but necessary to allow him to focus on new personal and professional ventures. “Building Ben & Jerry’s with Ben has been one of the greatest adventures of my life,” Greenfield said. “As I transition out of the company, I look forward to dedicating more time to advocacy, creative projects, and causes close to my heart, especially those focused on social justice and environmental sustainability.”

Greenfield’s departure marks a significant shift for the company, which has long been guided by the principles and vision of its founders. Alongside Cohen, Greenfield was instrumental not only in creating unique ice cream flavors, like Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey, but also in maintaining a commitment to corporate responsibility and activism in the company’s foundation.

Since its founding, Ben & Jerry’s has championed causes, such as climate change awareness, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and fair trade practices. The company was acquired by multinational consumer goods giant Unilever in 2000, but has maintained a distinct voice and operational independence through an independent board, which oversees social mission adherence.

Matthew McCarthy, Ben & Jerry’s current CEO, praised Greenfield’s contributions and leadership in a public statement. He said, “Jerry’s creativity, passion, and dedication have been at the heart of what makes Ben & Jerry’s special. He helped build a company that not only delivers exceptional ice cream but also stands up for values that matter. We thank him for his years of service and wish him all the best as he embarks on his next chapter.”

The exit of Greenfield comes at a time when consumer demand for ethically-minded brands remains strong, but companies also face increasing pressure to evolve amid shifting market dynamics and sustainability challenges.

Greenfield’s role in Ben & Jerry’s had evolved, shifting from day-to-day operations to serving as a public ambassador and advocate for the brand’s social mission. His presence was often seen at public events, rallies, and community outreach programs that emphasized the company’s commitment to making business a force for good.

Although no official timeline has been announced for his departure, Ben & Jerry’s indicated it will share further details about leadership changes soon. The company reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the legacy of its founders by maintaining a strong emphasis on social justice and environmental stewardship.