Dive Brief:
- The CEO of Japanese beverage powerhouse Suntory Holdings stepped down following a police search of his home related to the purchase of potentially illegal supplements.
- Takeshi Niinami, the CEO in question, claims he was unaware that the supplements he bought were possibly illegal. Despite an ongoing police investigation, Suntory cited Niinami’s “lack of awareness” as reason for his resignation from top leadership roles.
- Niinami, a prominent figure in Japan’s business world, had been CEO since 2014 and was appointed board chairman earlier this year. He will also be stepping down from his chairmanship, as per Suntory’s announcement.
Dive Insight:
Suntory, known for brands like Jim Beam and Orangina, is a major player in the beverage industry. Niinami oversaw the integration of Beam Inc after Suntory’s multi-billion dollar acquisition in 2014.
Recently, Niinami guided the company into the ready-to-drink cocktail market and positioned it to adapt to consumer trends, such as the increasing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages. In 2024, the company rebranded Beam Suntory to Suntory Global Spirits.
With declining alcohol consumption and spending in key markets, Suntory’s spirits business has faced challenges. Operating income dropped by 30% in the first half of 2025.
Niinami was the first non-Torii family member to serve as CEO. Last year, Nobuhiro Torii, a descendant of the company’s founder, was named president in a shift to a dual management structure with Niinami.
The investigation into Niinami’s purchase of the supplements, suspected to contain THC, a psychoactive compound found in cannabis, has raised governance concerns for Suntory. Possession of cannabis is illegal in Japan, with severe penalties.
Niinami’s resignation adds to recent turmoil in the food and beverage industry, following Nestlé’s CEO dismissal over an undisclosed relationship with a subordinate.