Jeni's Taps Ben & Jerry's Veteran to Lead Aggressive Growth Phase

COLUMBUS, OH – April 22, 2026 – Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams has named David Stever, a seasoned executive who previously led Ben & Jerry's, as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment comes as the artisanal ice cream brand embarks on an ambitious new chapter of growth, aiming to significantly expand its national footprint through franchising, retail distribution, and product innovation.

Stever steps in at a moment of significant momentum for the Columbus-based company, which has cultivated a loyal following with its unique, high-quality flavors and B-Corporation ethos. His mission is to steer Jeni's through its next stage of development, leveraging his extensive experience in scaling a globally recognized, mission-driven ice cream brand.

"We are thrilled to welcome David Stever as CEO of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams," said Brian Knez, Jeni's Chairman, in a statement. "He brings a rare combination of operational excellence and business leadership, along with a proven ability to scale global brands. We are confident that Dave, together with our terrific Jeni's team, will continue to successfully expand this wonderful brand while staying true to its culture and artisanal heritage."

A Playbook from a Premium Pioneer

Stever's background makes him a strategic fit for Jeni's aspirations. With over 25 years in the consumer-packaged goods industry, his career is most notably defined by his long and impactful tenure at Ben & Jerry's. Starting as a factory tour guide in the 1980s, he rose through the ranks to become both Chief Marketing Officer and ultimately CEO. During his leadership, he was instrumental in navigating the brand's transformative growth and expanding its global relevance, all while fiercely protecting its renowned social mission.

His leadership philosophy, once described as "business as unusual," focused on integrating social activism with robust commercial strategy. This experience is particularly relevant as Jeni's, a certified B Corp, faces the classic challenge of scaling up without diluting the authenticity and values that defined its success. Stever's track record suggests a deep understanding of how to balance mass-market expansion with a commitment to quality, community, and purpose.

"Jeni's is one of those companies where growth and authenticity are deeply connected," Stever stated. "What is driving its momentum across scoop shops, grocery, and now franchising is a genuine commitment to joy, creativity, community, and the emotional connection it builds with people. Ice cream may seem simple, but when it is done right, it combines art, agriculture, and memory. That is what makes Jeni's special."

Scooping Up Market Share

The decision to bring in a leader of Stever's caliber is backed by Jeni's impressive market performance. The company is reportedly on track to surpass $150 million in revenue in 2025. Its scoop shops demonstrate powerful unit economics, with an average annual net sales figure of nearly $1 million—significantly outpacing established competitors like Häagen-Dazs (around $700,000 AUV) and Baskin-Robbins (around $530,000 AUV).

Founded in 2002 by Jeni Britton, the brand has grown from a single market stand to a national powerhouse with over 90 scoop shops in 30 markets. Its pints are a staple in the premium freezer aisle, available in approximately 15,000 retail locations nationwide, including major chains such as Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger. This retail presence is a critical engine for growth in the highly competitive premium ice cream sector, which was valued at over $50 billion globally in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 7%.

Innovation remains a cornerstone of the brand's strategy. Jeni's plans to launch more than 20 new flavors this year alone, building on successful collaborations and new product formats like its recently introduced J-Bars. Under Stever's leadership, the company is expected to double down on this investment in breakthrough flavor development and expanded consumer experiences.

The Fellowship Model: Franchising with a Conscience

A key pillar of Jeni's expansion strategy is its recent move into franchising, announced in late 2025. Dubbed the "Fellowship Model," the program is designed to be a deliberate, culture-first extension of the brand rather than a rapid, profit-driven rollout. This measured approach appears designed to protect the brand's integrity during expansion.

The company is not seeking just any investor; it is looking for partners who align with its values of community, creativity, and hospitality. The initial investment is substantial, ranging from approximately $696,000 to $1.27 million, signaling a search for serious, committed operators. Jeni's plans a slow initial rollout, aiming to support just six to eight franchisees in the first wave before expanding further. This methodical pace—with a target of three franchise locations this year and ten in 2027—stands in stark contrast to the aggressive expansion typical of the franchising world.

This strategy reflects an acute awareness of the risks involved in scaling an artisanal brand. By carefully selecting owner-operators who are deeply embedded in their communities and providing them with extensive support, Jeni's aims to ensure that every new franchised shop is indistinguishable from its company-owned locations in both quality and spirit.

Balancing Artisanal Roots with National Ambition

Stever's appointment marks a pivotal moment for Jeni's and the broader craft food movement. The central question is whether a brand built on a foundation of Direct Trade ingredients, milk from family farms, and category-defining flavors can maintain its soul while chasing mass-market scale. The premium dessert market is increasingly crowded, with consumers demanding not only high-quality ingredients but also the authentic stories and ethical practices behind the brands they support.

Jeni's is positioning itself to navigate this challenge by entrusting its future to a leader who has successfully walked this tightrope before. The combination of Stever's experience, the company's strong financial performance, and its intentionally designed franchising model suggests a clear strategy. The goal is not just to grow bigger, but to grow better, setting a potential new standard for how artisanal brands can expand their reach without sacrificing the very authenticity that made them beloved in the first place.