How Unilever is Restructuring with Precision, Starting with Ice Cream

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) is one of the best trade-war resistant stocks to buy. In July 2025, Unilever appointed three senior legal executives from within the company to lead the legal transition of its €8.6 billion ($9.3 billion) ice cream business as it prepares to spin the unit off under the name Magnum. The move shows Unilever’s preference for internal continuity during one of its most complex restructurings in years.

The new legal leadership includes Vanessa Vilar as Chief Legal Officer, Palmina Fava as Chief Integrity Officer and General Counsel for Ben & Jerry’s, and Natalia Cavaliere as General Counsel for the Americas. All three have spent years at Unilever and bring deep institutional knowledge to a unit that has faced legal and political scrutiny, particularly due to tensions between Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s board over governance and social responsibility issues.

The separation is part of a wider cost-saving and simplification effort that includes laying off 7,500 staff and narrowing focus to core segments: beauty, personal care, home care, and nutrition.

Known for global brands like Dove, Hellmann’s, and Surf, Unilever has remained resilient in volatile macro conditions, taking advantage of pricing power and deep operational infrastructure. The legal handling of the ice cream spin-off shows the company’s intent to manage internal tensions while moving decisively on its restructuring roadmap.

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