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Unilever has proposed Peter ter Kulve as its preferred candidate to head the Magnum Ice Cream Company, the group’s ice cream division, with full board approval expected.

Last year, Unilever announced plans to separate its ice cream business and form The Magnum Ice Cream Company, which is gearing up for a planned Amsterdam listing by the end of the year. Ter Kulve is the current president of ice cream for Unilever, having previously been president of the group's home care division.

A spokesperson for Unilever confirmed: "It is proposed that Peter ter Kulve will become CEO of The Magnum Ice Cream Company. Approval of the full board of The Magnum Ice Cream Company by the Unilever PLC Board is anticipated in July 2025."

Following the separation of the ice cream business from the rest of Unilever’s portfolio, the Magnum Ice Cream Company will be parent of Unilever's global ice cream brands, including Ben & Jerry's.

Ben & Jerry's has been involved in a series of disputes with the company in recent years, including a March 2025 lawsuit over the removal of Ben & Jerry’s CEO and its calls for a cease-fire in Gaza. In November 2024, Ben & Jerry's also filed a lawsuit claiming that Unilever had tried to stop it from expressing support for Palestinian refugees. The brand was reported to be exploring buy back options earlier this year. Unilever purchased Ben & Jerry's in 2000 for $326 million.

According to reporting by Reuters, Warren Ackerman, an analyst from Barclay’s bank estimated that Ben & Jerry’s is the third largest ice cream brand in the world, warning that a potential fall out from the appointment could impact investors.

Unilever's ice cream business reported a combined turnover of €8.3 billion in 2024. An official announcement of ter Kulve's appointment is expected following a July board meeting.