From tour guide to CEO: Ben & Jerry’s scoops up 34-year vet for top job
May 18, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
In a May 8, announcement, Ben & Jerry’s named 34-year company veteran Dave Stever, 57, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Courtesy photo
It's not uncommon for a corporate employee at Ben & Jerry's to have begun their career as a scooper and then move on to a corporate position, many staying for decades. But going from a tour guide to CEO? That's something else.
Last week, Ben & Jerry's named Dave Stever to be its new chief executive officer, succeeding Matthew McCarthy, who recently retired from Ben & Jerry's after five years at the helm.
A 34-year veteran of the iconic ice cream maker, Stever has seen it all in his career having started as a tour guide in 1988 at the company's Waterbury factory, the state's number-one tour attraction. The lifelong Vermonter swiftly established himself in marketing and management, most recently spending more than 12 years as chief marketing officer.
The selection of Stever for the company’s top role marks the first time since cofounder Ben Cohen stepped down as CEO in 1994 that a staff member has been promoted from within to the company’s chief executive position.
After the announcement on May 8, news of Stever’s promotion spread quickly around the company's headquarters in South Burlington and throughout the organization. Company officials said it was met with joy and adulation for the well-admired colleague who has always been a favorite among his coworkers. Among those who have worked with Stever are founders and company namesakes Cohen and Jerry Greenfield.
“Ben and I have known Dave for over three decades and we are absolutely thrilled that he will be leading Ben & Jerry's into the next chapter of our company's history,” Greenfield said.
Cohen agreed. “Dave started out 30 years ago as a tour guide. And now he's CEO. He knows Ben & Jerry's inside and out. He lives it and breathes it. We are psyched to have someone with Dave's talent, passion and demonstrated ability as our CEO,” Cohen said.
Ben & Jerry’s new CEO Dave Stever (left) pauses for some fun during the company's 2023 Free Cone Day at the Waterbury Scoop Shop where Stever started as a factory tour guide in 1988. Combined, the trio here -- Stever, Associate Tour Coordinator Amy Weller (center), and Retail Marketing Specialist Claudette Miner (right) -- holds a century of experience with the Vermont ice cream maker. Courtesy photo
In his career with the world-famous Vermont brand, Stever has witnessed scrappy fights such as those with rival and industry leader Haagen Dazs in the early days. And he’s seen brand flavors take off such as the rise of Chubby Hubby, Phishfood, and the top U.S. fan-favorite, Half Baked. Stever already was well-established as a leader in management when the company was acquired by Unilever over 20 years ago.
Today Ben & Jerry’s is a global organization operating in 35 countries. Its first Vermont ice cream plant and visitors center operates in Waterbury.
In the role of Chief Marketing Officer, one of Stever’s strengths has been working cross-functionally, creating partnerships for unique pop-culture flavors with the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Stephen Colbert, Willie Nelson, Sir Elton John, Jimmy Fallon, Colin Kaepernick, Netflix and more. While steering the company to remain as part of the cultural zeitgeist, Stever has kept a focus on the critical differentiator for Ben & Jerry's: its mission.
“Dave's long history at Ben & Jerry's along with his recognition of the integral role that the company's values and social mission play in our growth and our commitment to advancing justice and equity in the world, make him the best choice to write the next chapter in Ben & Jerry's remarkable story,” said Anuradha Mittal, chair of Ben & Jerry's Board of Directors.
Stever, 57, is a graduate of the University of Vermont and St. Michael’s College.
Ben & Jerry's is a Vermont corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever. Its mission focuses on product quality, a fair financial return, and addressing social, racial and environmental justice issues around the world. The Ben & Jerry's Foundation with input from employees granted $4.35 million in 2022 to progressive organizations and causes. More online at benjerry.com.