Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has stepped down from the ice cream brand he co-founded with Ben Cohen in 1978, citing an inability to uphold the company’s independent values after its acquisition by Unilever. Greenfield’s resignation followed his criticism of the company’s failure in 2022 to prevent Unilever from selling its products in West Bank settlements, which he claimed conflicted with the brand’s principles.

In a statement shared on X by Cohen, Greenfield expressed that he could no longer “in good conscience” remain an employee of the Vermont-based company after 47 years. He argued that Ben & Jerry’s had been “silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power” during a period of perceived attacks on civil rights and social justice under the current U.S. administration.

The brand, acquired by Unilever in 2000 and now owned by its Magnum Ice Cream subsidiary, maintains an independent social mission board, though Greenfield and Cohen are not members. Unilever has disputed Greenfield’s claims, stating it seeks to engage the co-founders in discussions to reinforce the company’s values-based approach.

Greenfield’s departure comes amid broader tensions over corporate activism, as Ben & Jerry’s has previously spoken out against policies like former President Donald Trump’s immigration stance, while other companies have distanced themselves from social issues. Unilever shares remained unaffected by the development.