The Bernstein Center is proud to bestow the prestigious Botwinick Prize in Business Ethics to Matthew McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer of Ben & Jerry's, for his pioneering ethical leadership and outstanding commitment to social impact and activism through business. Join us for this virtual award ceremony featuring a keynote address as well as a moderated discussion with Bernstein Faculty Director, Modupe Akinola.
About the Honoree
As the CEO of Ben & Jerry's, Matthew McCarthy leads an iconic and pioneering global brand that continually breaks the rules on how business can be a force for good in the world. He steers and serves a global team of passionate ice cream aficionados and aspiring activists and is responsible for Ben & Jerry's long-standing 3-part mission of delivering economic, product, and social mission impact in all the communities and countries where the company operates.
In addition to being CEO, Matthew is a member of Ben & Jerry's independent Board of Directors and is a member of Unilever's global Food & Refreshments leadership team. Before taking his current role, Matthew was Vice President of Unilever's Food division in North America, where he also sat on the US country board. In his 22 years with Unilever, Matthew has led a number of classic and entrepreneurial brands across the Foods and Personal Care divisions, including Hellmann's, Knorr, AXE, Dove, and Dove Men+Care. Matthew headed up Men's Grooming for Unilever, which included the acquisition of Dollar Shave Club. His work has received a number of industry recognitions, including Cannes Gold Lion, One Show Gold Pencil, IAB MIXX, and Adweek's Brand Genius award.
Matthew has a deep passion for driving social impact and systemic change through the power of business. He considers himself an aspiring activist, learning every day how better to leverage the power of brands and business to address pressing social and environmental challenges.
About The Botwinick Prize
Each year, under the auspices of The Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Center for Leadership and Ethics, The Botwinick Prize in Business Ethics and Ethical Practice in the Professions is awarded to an individual or representative of a business organization exemplifying the highest standard of professional and ethical conduct, as well as ethical decision making in any of the professions, including, but not limited to, accounting, advertising, architecture, health care, journalism, law, public service and social service. The Botwinick Prize in Business Ethics and Ethical Practice in the Professions was established by a generous endowment from the late Benjamin Botwinick, BS ’26 and his wife Bessie.
