Ex-Suntory CEO Niinami says resigned for inconvenience to co.

Ex-Suntory CEO Niinami says resigned for inconvenience to co.

Tokyo, September 2, 2025 - Suntory Holdings, one of Japan's leading beverage conglomerates, announced today that its CEO and chairman, Takeshi Niinami, has resigned. The decision follows a police investigation into allegations that Niinami purchased supplements containing illegal substances from an acquaintance overseas.

Suntory held a press conference on Tuesday, where President Nobuhiro Torii and other executives revealed that Niinami was subjected to a police investigation on August 22. The investigation involved a search of Niinami's Tokyo home, with the Fukuoka prefectural police looking into whether he had purchased supplements containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant [1].

Niinami, who has been a prominent figure in Japan's business landscape, stated that he believed the supplements were legal and was not aware of their illegal nature. However, Suntory's strict compliance with laws and regulations led the company to conclude that Niinami's actions were incompatible with his key position [1].

The company's statement emphasized the importance of exercising appropriate caution in purchasing supplements, noting that Niinami's lack of awareness regarding the legality of the products rendered him unable to continue in his role [1].

The resignation comes at a time when Japan's Cannabis Control Law and Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law have been revised to increase penalties for possession, transfer, and usage of marijuana [1]. While CBD products are legal in Japan, they must be free of THC.

Niinami, a graduate of Harvard Business School, has been a key figure in Japan's economic policy and has advised several prime ministers. He was also the first executive outside the founding family to lead Suntory, having previously served as CEO and president from 2014. His resignation has left Suntory with a leadership vacuum, with Torii and Kenji Yamada stepping in to fill the void [2].

Suntory did not provide further details on the investigation or the supplements in question, stating that the legality of the products is still under review. The company emphasized that Niinami's resignation was not a reflection of any criminal wrongdoing but rather a matter of corporate governance and compliance [3].

References:
[1] https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/suntory-ceo-niinami-resigns-scandal/
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/suntory-ceo-niinami-submits-resignation-after-cannabis-related-police-probe-2025-09-02/
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/02/business/suntory-chairman-takeshi-niinami.html