TIME Named Michael Friedlander Executive of the Year
The Magnum Ice Cream Company CIO was recognized for his leadership following the firm's recent transition.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Business Strategy
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TIME has named Michael Friedlander its 2026 Executive of the Year. Friedlander currently serves as the CIO of the Americas for The Magnum Ice Cream Company.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the successful navigation of complex technological and organizational changes within a newly independent major consumer brand.
The Magnum Ice Cream Company holds a valuation of nearly $10 billion following its 2025 spin-off from Unilever. The firm oversees a portfolio that includes Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, Magnum, and Klondike.
The players
Michael Friedlander
He serves as the CIO of the Americas at The Magnum Ice Cream Company and was named 2026 Executive of the Year by TIME.
The Magnum Ice Cream Company
This food conglomerate was spun out of Unilever in 2025 and manages brands such as Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, Magnum, and Klondike.
The details
Under Friedlander's leadership, the company has focused on installing AI-capable platforms and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks to protect its brand environment. Features are deployed gradually across markets, including the United States and Mexico, to manage large-scale accounts effectively.
Timeline
The Magnum Ice Cream Company spun out of Unilever in 2025.
Michael Friedlander was named TIME Executive of the Year in 2026.
Market Landscape
This accolade signals a successful transition for the company as it establishes its own independent corporate identity post-spin-off. The achievement positions the brand to compete more aggressively in the global consumer goods sector by leveraging modernized IT and AI infrastructure.
Consumers can expect more consistent digital experiences and enhanced product security as the company continues its gradual rollout of AI-capable platforms. These operational improvements are designed to maintain high service standards across the firm's various ice cream brands.
The takeaway
Effective executive leadership during corporate transitions relies on balancing legacy brand management with modern digital infrastructure. Future industry success will likely depend on how companies like The Magnum Ice Cream Company scale AI capabilities across diverse international markets.
Further reading
For more on corporate transformations, visit the Business Strategy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TIME.
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