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Top Japanese beverage giant Suntory's
chief resigns as he faces a drug probe
[September 02, 2025]
By YURI KAGEYAMA
TOKYO (AP)
— Takeshi Niinami, chief executive of Japan’s major beverage maker
Suntory, resigned Tuesday to take responsibility for being under
investigation for alleged possession of an illegal drug.
Suntory Holdings President Nobuhiro Torii, who is from the company's
founding family, told reporters the company had accepted Niinami’s
resignation. |
Suntory Holdings President Nobuhiro Torii, left, and Vice President
Kenji Yamada, right, bow during a press conference regarding the
resignation of Takeshi Niinami, not in photo, chief executive of Japan’s
major beverage maker Suntory, in Tokyo, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (Kyodo
News via AP) |
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Torii was vague about details such as the type of allegedly
illegal drug, saying the case was still under investigation.
Niinami, 66, is a prominent business leader who is credited with
guiding strong growth at Suntory, which makes whisky, beer and
non-alcoholic beverages. He became the company's chief executive
in 2014, and has won respect across the industry for his
prominent role in lobbies that represent industry to the
government.
“He was a dynamic and decisive leader whom I respect greatly.
During a decade of his leadership, both profits and sales grew
dynamically,” Torii told reporters.
It was unclear who would take Niinami's place. Torii said he was
already in a leadership role alongside Niinami and would take
full responsibility for the business, including its overseas
operations.
Torii said Niinami had contributed greatly to the company over
the years, but that the resignation was inevitable because of
“governance issues.”
It is common in Japan for people who cause embarrassment for a
group to give up their posts. Japan’s culture stresses
accountability and avoidance of shame.
“Regardless of whether he is found innocent or guilty, we feel
he is not fit for the job,” Vice President Kenji Yamada told
reporters.
Torii and Yamada said the alleged drug in question might have
been a “supplement” that Niinami acquired personally. Suntory,
founded in 1899, is well known for whisky and soft drinks, but
also makes supplements.
They quoted Niinami as saying he didn’t know the supplement was
illegal. The police probe started last month, they said, while
declining to give other details.
The company's announcement came after markets closed. Suntory's
shares traded in Tokyo gained 2.9% on Tuesday.
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