Suntory CEO Resigns Over Police Investigation into Imported Supplements

The chief executive of Suntory, the renowned Japanese drinks conglomerate known for household brands including Jim Beam, Lucozade and Ribena, has stepped down following a police probe into the purchase of potentially illegal supplements. Takeshi Niinami, who has served as Suntory’s chairman and chief executive, offered his resignation after confirming he was being investigated by Japanese authorities, effective from 1 September.

The company acknowledged that Niinami, 66, admitted to buying supplements which he believed to be legal. While Suntory refrained from specifying the exact nature of the purportedly illicit products, Nippon TV reported that Niinami was suspected of importing supplements containing THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, from the United States. Local police indicated that the supplements were allegedly sent to him unsolicited by a female acquaintance.

Suntory made clear that the supplements at the centre of this controversy are not part of its own health and wellness product lines. Stating that adherence to legal and regulatory standards is fundamental for its management, the company noted that senior executives are expected to exercise caution when purchasing supplements. The board concluded that Niinami’s actions, by failing to demonstrate sufficient awareness regarding supplement regulation, meant he could not remain as chairman and chief executive officer, regardless of the outcome of the police investigation.

Niinami, a respected figure in Japanese business circles and adviser to several prime ministers, had led Suntory since 2014. His departure marks the end of a tenure defined by bold expansion and commercial successes. Nobu Torii, Suntory’s president and descendant of founder Shinjiro Torii, commented on the resignation by expressing both disappointment and respect for Niinami’s leadership and achievements.

The incident puts a spotlight on Japan’s rigorous drug laws, which were toughened last year to increase penalties for cannabis possession to up to seven years in prison. The corporate world in Japan has faced similar scrutiny, as seen in the dismissal of executives at Olympus Corp over illegal drug allegations. Suntory, which employs around 40,000 staff globally and over 1,200 in the UK, conveyed an apology to customers and employees for the disruption and concern caused by the matter.

Founded in 1899, Suntory has grown into one of the world’s leading beverage groups, maintaining strong family stewardship while expanding its portfolio to include global spirits and soft drinks. The board’s decisive response underscores the priority placed on compliance and corporate governance in one of Japan’s flagship companies.