Jeni’s brings in former Ben & Jerry’s exec David Stever as CEO

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has brought in former Ben & Jerry’s CEO David Stever to head up the US business.

Columbus, Ohio-based Jeni’s said Stever joins the company as CEO at a “time of strong momentum and will lead its next phase of growth”.

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Set up by Jeni Britton in 2002, the business supplies US retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Target, Kroger and Albertson’s. It also operates more than 90 ice-cream shops, according to a statement.

Stever was most recently an adjunct professor at Champlain College in Vermont and was CEO at Unilever-owned Ben & Jerry’s from May 2023 to April 2925, his LinkedIn profile shows.

Jeni’s chairman Brian Knez said of Stever: “He brings a rare combination of operational excellence and business leadership, along with a proven ability to scale global brands.

“During his time at Ben & Jerry’s, he fostered a people-first culture rooted in quality, the guest experience, and a passion for the power of ice cream to bring people together.”

Stever will be assigned to “continue to invest in breakthrough flavour development, new product formats, and expanded consumer experiences”, the statement read.

He joins the business at a time of consolidation in the global ice-cream market.

Unilever has recently spun-off its ice-cream operations into The Magnum Ice Cream Company, which still houses Ben & Jerry’s.

Nestlé, meanwhile, is in the process of exiting its ice-cream business but will retain its interest in the Froneri joint venture with investor PAI Partners.

Stever said of his appointment: “Jeni’s is one of those companies where growth and authenticity are deeply connected. What is driving its momentum across scoop shops, grocery, and now franchising is a genuine commitment to joy, creativity, community, and the emotional connection it builds with people.”

Jeni’s announced its expansion into franchising in September through the company’s fellowship programme.

“The decision to franchise will allow the brand to intentionally continue its growth, planting roots in new communities across the country,” Jeni’s said at the time.

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