Suntory CEO resigns after police investigation
The chairman and CEO of Suntory Holdings, Takeshi Niinami, has resigned from the company due to a police investigation over his purchase of illegal supplements.
A statement from the Japanese drinks conglomerate confirmed Niinami had resigned, effective 1 September.
The Jim Beam owner explained the decision was made after Niinami notified the company on 22 August that the police had begun an investigation.
Suntory said it had immediately requested legal counsel to conduct an interview with the CEO.
“During the interview, he explained that the investigation had been conducted regarding the supplements that were allegedly purchased by him under the understanding that they were legal,” the company said in the statement.
“Given that the matter is under investigation, the company believes that the determination of the legality of the above supplements should be deferred to the authorities.
“However, for the top executive management of Suntory Group, strict compliance with laws and regulations is fundamental, and exercising appropriate caution in purchasing supplements is an indispensable quality.”
Despite the ongoing investigation, the company said Niinami’s “lack of awareness regarding supplements” meant he could not remain in his position at Suntory.
After discussions with Niinami, he offered to resign, which was accepted by the company.
The company appointed Nobuhiro Torii as president in March this year.
Suntory confirmed that there will not be a replacement for the CEO role as Torii will continue to lead the group.
The group added that the supplements purchased by Niinami were not produced by Suntory.
Niinami become CEO and president of Suntory in October 2014 following four generations of family management.
For the first six months of 2025, Suntory reported a sales decline of 2.4% for its alcohol business after demand dropped in the US and Europe.
Last year, the company’s spirits arm changed its name from Beam Suntory to Suntory Global Spirits.
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