Ice cream giant builds AI-ready tech stack from scratch

2026-06-08 · Source: Information and Enterprise Technology News | CIO Dive - Www.ciodive.com · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure, Data Science & Analytics · Depth: Intermediate, short

Summary

The Magnum Ice Cream Company, which includes brands like Ben & Jerry's and Magnum, is undertaking a significant IT transformation following its 2025 spinoff from Unilever. Michael Friedlander, CIO of the Americas, is leading the initiative to build an AI-ready tech stack from scratch over the next two years. This involves deploying new ERP, CRM, website management, and supply chain systems, while currently relying on Unilever for IT support via transition services agreements. Friedlander emphasizes standardizing processes and investing in platforms with integrated AI capabilities, aiming to avoid legacy system constraints. A core focus is ensuring clean, accurate data, establishing strategic partnerships with AI-investing technology providers, and prioritizing change management through employee training for AI adoption and threat awareness across functions like finance, HR, and supply chain.

Key takeaway

For CTOs or VPs of Engineering planning a major IT overhaul, prioritize data cleanliness and process standardization early in your transformation. Your strategy should involve selecting technology partners deeply investing in AI and favoring configurable platforms over highly customized solutions to accelerate AI integration. Proactively invest in change management and employee training. This prepares your workforce for new AI systems, mitigating risks and maximizing adoption from day one.

Key insights

Building an AI-ready tech stack requires clean data, strategic partnerships, and proactive change management.

Principles

• Clean, accurate data is foundational for AI capabilities.
• Prioritize platforms with integrated AI over custom solutions.
• Employee training is crucial for successful AI adoption.

Method

The company will deploy new ERP, CRM, website, and supply chain systems over two years, focusing on configuration over customization to integrate AI faster.

In practice

• Implement AI-powered camera recognition for factory safety.
• Develop HR assistants to enhance employee experience.

Topics

• AI-ready Tech Stack
• IT Transformation
• Data Governance
• Strategic Partnerships
• Change Management
• Enterprise AI Applications
• ERP Systems

Best for: Director of AI/ML, Executive, CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Information and Enterprise Technology News | CIO Dive - Www.ciodive.com.