In a surprising turn of events, Suntory Holdings announced that its high-profile CEO, Takeshi Niinami, has resigned following a police investigation into his purchase of a supplement that may have violated Japan’s strict drug laws. The news marks the end of a decade-long leadership era that saw
Holdings expand globally and solidify its place as one of Japan’s most influential companies.
Niinami, who has long been regarded as the international face of corporate Japan, admitted to purchasing the supplement but insisted he believed it was legal. In an interview with the Asahi newspaper, he stated: “I was not aware that it was an illegal supplement. I am innocent.” Still, Niinami said he felt Suntory Holdings could not remain united under his leadership and therefore stepped down on September 1.
The company’s president, Nobuhiro Torii a great-grandson of founder Shinjiro Torii will now fully helm Suntory Holdings. At a press briefing, Torii praised Niinami’s bold leadership, noting it was a “real shame” the two could not continue working as a team.
The investigation, led by police in Fukuoka prefecture, is looking into whether supplements containing cannabis components, possibly THC, were sent to Niinami’s residence. THC is illegal under Japanese law, though CBD products remain permitted. According to reports, police questioned Niinami and searched his Tokyo home, though no evidence of drug possession or use has been confirmed.
Despite the scandal, Suntory Holdings emphasized that its business operations remain stable. Shares of Suntory Beverage & Food, the listed subsidiary managing its non-alcoholic beverage and food products, even closed up 3% following the announcement. Analysts suggested this indicates investors expect Suntory Holdings to remain resilient under Torii’s leadership.
Niinami, 66, had been a transformative figure at Suntory Holdings since joining in 2014. He played a key role in integrating the $16 billion acquisition of U.S. spirits giant Beam, significantly boosting revenues and giving the company an international presence. As the first chief executive from outside the founding family, he also symbolized modernization and global ambition at Suntory Holdings.
Beyond the company, Niinami served as chairman of the influential Keizai Doyukai business lobby and frequently voiced opinions on economic reform and central bank policy. While he has no plans to resign from that role, his resignation from Suntory Holdings represents a major setback for one of Japan’s best-known business leaders.
With Torii now in charge, the future of Suntory Holdings rests on balancing its global ambitions with domestic challenges — all while recovering from the reputational blow of this high-profile resignation.
