Publications
Publications
- December 2005 (Revised January 2007)
- HBS Case Collection
Ben & Jerry's: Preserving Mission & Brand within Unilever
By: James E. Austin and James Quinn
Abstract
In the months after Ben & Jerry's was acquired by Unilever, Ben & Jerry's head social mission faces challenges and opportunities unique in the company's history, including: how to manage employee morale; whether to include synthetic ingredients to meet consumer preferences; how to preserve the company's tradition of speaking out on public issues; and how to maintain the company's distinctive brand image. Also, depicts an innovative corporate governance model with an external board comprising former Ben & Jerry's executives to advise the new CEO on managing the company's distinctive brand and values.
Keywords
Brands and Branding; Problems and Challenges; Mergers and Acquisitions; Mission and Purpose; Social Enterprise; Management Teams; Governing and Advisory Boards; Value Creation; Corporate Governance; Employee Relationship Management; Food and Beverage Industry; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; Retail Industry; United States
Citation
Austin, James E., and James Quinn. "Ben & Jerry's: Preserving Mission & Brand within Unilever." Harvard Business School Case 306-037, December 2005. (Revised January 2007.)