BURLINGTON – Walt Freese, Ben & Jerry's CEO and vice president of global brand development, has announced his resignation, parent company Unilever announced Tuesday.

The company said Freese is leaving Ben & Jerry's to pursue other values-led business and investment opportunities. At the company's request, he will remain with the company until the end of March.

Since joining Ben & Jerry's and Unilever more than eight years ago, Freese and his "management team have been instrumental in returning Ben & Jerry's to its heritage of leadership in progressive social and environmental values," the company said.

"Walt has done an outstanding job," said John LeBoutillier, Unilever's senior vice president, Foods U.S.