Ben & Jerry's announced its newest leader today from the home office.

Jostein Solheim was appointed CEO of Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream and Vice President of Global Brand Development, effective immediately. The new CEO, supported both by Unilever and the Ben & Jerry’s Board of Directors, was introduced at the company’s South Burlington headquarters during a town-hall style site meeting.

Solheim brings a wealth of ice cream expertise to the position with 14 years experience in five countries for Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s Anglo-Dutch parent company. Most recently, Solheim completed a rejuvenation plan for Unilever’s North American Ice Cream division through a comprehensive plan that focused on quality and innovative new products. Solheim's global experience and passion for the ice cream business will be critical in leading Ben & Jerry's through the next phase of growth. “My family and I look forward to engaging with the Ben & Jerry’s family,” Solheim says. “We’re especially excited about the Social Mission,” says Solheim, whose family will be relocating to Vermont in the near future.

In typical company spirit, a ‘Meet & Greet & Eat’ media event has been planned for Tuesday, March 23, –the Company’s national Free Cone Day- to introduce the new CEO and take questions about his role and his vision for the company.