Ben & Jerry's Implements Governance Reform Through Term Limits

Significant Change in Board Leadership

Ben & Jerry's has taken a major step in corporate governance by removing Independent Board Chair Anuradha Mittal and establishing a maximum nine-year term limit for all board members. The decision was announced on December 15, 2025, marking a significant shift in the company's leadership structure. Mittal, who had been on the board since 2007 and served as chair since 2018, had previously resisted pressure from Unilever, the company's former owner, to step down.

Background of Governance Changes

The governance move comes after a period of tension between Mittal and Unilever, which previously owned Ben & Jerry's. Mittal had expressed that the attempt to remove her was an effort to weaken the independent board's authority. The new policy applies to all board members going forward, establishing a clear term limit that had previously been lacking.

Implications for Corporate Governance

This decision demonstrates Ben & Jerry's commitment to strengthening its corporate governance framework. The implementation of term limits is seen as a positive step toward maintaining board independence and freshness. The company's actions show a dedication to maintaining its brand values while adapting to changing corporate governance standards.