Flatiron Search Partners Places CEO at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
April 28, 2026 – Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has placed David Stever as the new CEO of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus, OH. He joins the company at a time of strong momentum and will lead its next phase of growth as the brand continues to expand nationally and deepen its connection with customers and communities. “We are thrilled to welcome David Stever as CEO of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams,” said Brian Knez, Jeni’s chairman. “He brings a rare combination of operational excellence and business leadership, along with a proven ability to scale global brands. During his time at Ben & Jerry’s, he fostered a people-first culture rooted in quality, the guest experience, and a passion for the power of ice cream to bring people together. 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.”
Mr. Stever brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in consumer-packaged goods. As chief executive officer and CMO of Ben & Jerry’s, he led the business through transformative growth while strengthening the brand, expanding innovation, and increasing its global relevance.
Mr. Stever joins Jeni’s at a strategic moment as the company continues to grow across all areas of the business. It operates more than 90 scoop shops across 30 markets and is also expanding into franchising through its Fellowship Model, extending its reach into new communities across the country. Jeni’s products are now available in approximately 15,000 retail locations nationwide and growing, including Whole Foods, Target, Kroger and Albertson’s. Under Mr. Stever’s leadership, the company will continue to invest in breakthrough flavor development, new product formats, and expanded consumer experiences.
“Jeni’s is one of those companies where growth and authenticity are deeply connected,” said Mr. Stever. “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. I am excited to build on that foundation and expand how people experience Jeni’s.”
Established in 2018, Flatiron Search Partners is a boutique executive search and growth advisory firm with offices in New York City and Denver. The firm leverages a cross-industry network to focus on key sectors: beauty, business services, consumer products/ services, consumer healthcare, education and training, experiential/ specialty retail, food and beverage/restaurants, franchising, health and wellness/active lifestyle, hospitality and nightlife, and technology and SaaS. Flatiron leads recruitment efforts for CEOs and presidents, as well as executives and functional leads overseeing operations, customer experience, sales/revenue, marketing, training, HR, finance, product, technology, and real estate/development.
Bill Stauffer, co-founder and co-CEO, has spent the past 20 years scaling brands at various growth stages across the consumer, food and beverage, and healthcare sectors. Mr. Stauffer has experience working with founders, boards of directors, executive teams, and private equity/venture capital sponsors.
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Joe Miller, co-founder and CEO, has spent the last 10 years driving scalable business strategies for high-growth companies in the branded consumer space. Mr. Miller has a background in cross-functional management and financial analysis, and a track record of attracting and managing winning teams, driving operational execution, and achieving growth targets.
Growth Partnership
Flatiron Search Partners recently formed a growth partnership with middle-market private equity firm Nonantum Capital Partners. “We were intentional about finding a partner who truly understands what we’re building and why,” said Bill Stauffer, co-founder and managing partner of Flatiron Search Partners. “Nonantum shares our belief that great outcomes start with great teams. This partnership gives us the ability to continue investing in our people, our platform, and our clients, while preserving the culture and values that have always defined Flatiron.”
“Nonantum brings deep operating experience and a long-term mindset that aligns closely with how we lead the firm,” added Joe Miller, co-founder and managing partner of Flatiron Search Partners. “Bill and I remain fully engaged in the day-to-day leadership of Flatiron, and this partnership allows us to invest ahead of growth, expanding our capabilities while continuing to deliver at the highest level for our clients.”
Related: Flatiron Search Partners Recruits CFO for PE-Backed 360 Behavioral Health
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
