BURLINGTON, Vt.--(// BUSINESS WIRE //)--Ben & Jerry's CEO and VP Global Brand Development, Walt Freese, has decided to resign from the company to pursue other values-led business and investment opportunities. At the company's request, Walt has agreed to continue to lead Ben & Jerry's and support a seamless transition until his exit at the end of March.
Since joining Ben & Jerry's and Unilever over 8 years ago, Walt and his management team have been instrumental in returning Ben & Jerry's to its heritage of leadership in progressive social and environmental values.
"Walt has done an outstanding job," said John LeBoutillier, Unilever's SVP Foods US. "We wish Walt all the best in his future endeavors."
About Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream and ice cream novelties, using high-quality ingredients including milk and cream from family farmers who do not treat their cows with the synthetic hormone rBGH. The company states its position on rBGH on its labels. Ben and Jerry's products are distributed nationwide and in selected foreign countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchise Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops, restaurants and other venues. Ben & Jerry's, a Vermont corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, economic reward and a commitment to the community. Contributions made via the employee led Ben & Jerry's Foundation in 2009 totaled over $1.7 million. Additionally, the company makes significant product donations to community groups and nonprofits both in Vermont and across the nation. The purpose of Ben & Jerry's philanthropy is to support the founding values of the company: economic and social justice, environmental restoration and peace through understanding, and to support our Vermont communities.
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