Suntory CEO Takeshi Niinami Resigns Amid THC Supplement Probe

Takeshi Niinami, chairman and CEO of Japanese beverage giant Suntory, resigned following a police investigation into his purchase of supplements suspected to contain THC, the psychoactive compound of cannabis illegal in Japan. Niinami, a prominent business leader and government adviser, maintained that he believed the supplements were legal and voluntarily submitted to a drug test, which came back negative. The investigation, linked to a separate arrest in July, prompted Suntory’s board to question Niinami's judgment and his suitability to lead the company, especially as Suntory itself sells supplements. Despite no confirmed wrongdoing, the company prioritized its reputation and accepted his resignation. Niinami had significantly grown Suntory’s business since joining in 2014 and had been a key figure in Japan’s corporate scene and economic policy advisory. Suntory’s president Nobuhiro Torii expressed regret over Niinami’s departure and announced he would take over leadership duties.