John LeBoutillier has been appointed to lead the newly created U.S. ice cream leadership team at Unilever.

John LeBoutillier has been appointed to lead the newly created U.S. ice cream leadership team at Unilever. Unilever says Eric Walsh, currently chairman of North American ice cream, will retire in April following after 16 years leading the ice cream business.

LeBoutillier was to join Unilever on Dec. 1 after a 15-year career at Kraft Foods where he held senior leadership positions in the coffee, crackers, desserts and beverages businesses. His most recent role was senior vice president and general manager of Kraft’s coffee division. Prior to joining Kraft, he spent four years at Ogilvy and Mather.

“We are delighted to have John join Unilever,” said Michael Polk, president, Unilever Americas. “John’s leadership, experience and marketing expertise will be a great asset for Unilever’s ice cream business in the U.S. With John leading the new U.S. ice cream leadership team, we have the people, the assets and the right business model in place to continue the drive for profitable growth on this important business.”

Ben & Jerry’s will continue to be operated as a separate unit from Vermont, Unilever said.

Unilever’s North American ice cream business has grown from $200 million to over $1.5 billion under Walsh’s leadership, the company said.