Ben & Jerry’s CEO and vice president of global brand development, Walt Freese, decided to resign from the company to pursue other business and investment opportunities. At the company’s request, Freese 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 eight years ago, Freese 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,” says John LeBoutillier, Unilever’s senior vice president of foods, U.S. “We wish Walt all the best in his future endeavors.”