Suntory to appoint first president outside family

Japanese drinks group Suntory Holdings is to appoint its first chief executive from outside of the founding family, reports have claimed.

According to numerous reports, Suntory has approached Takeshi Niinami, head of convenience store operator Lawson Inc, to become its chairman from October this year following four generations of family management.

It is hoped that the Harvard-educated businessman will help drive the group’s overseas expansion.

Since taking over as president of Lawson in 2002, 55-year-old Niinami has spearheaded the company’s expansion into China and Thailand.

Suntory has already taken great strides in enhancing its international this year with the successful US$16 billion acquisition of Beam Inc, creating Beam Suntory Inc.

The Japanese group now has access to a stronger distribution network there and announced only this week that it would be taking its distribution of Beam Suntory’s portfolio in-house in both the US and Germany.

If the Suntory’s board approves the appointment of Niinami as expected next month, it is thought that the company’s current president and chairman Nobutada Saji will keep his position as chairman.

A spokesperson for Suntory said: “This report is not based on any official announcements by the Suntory Group. No facts relating to the matter have been confirmed at this point.”