Suntory CEO Takeshi Niinami Resigns Amid Cannabis Investigation

Takeshi Niinami, CEO and Chairman of Suntory Holdings and chair of the influential Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), has resigned following a police investigation into his purchase of a supplement suspected of containing cannabis components. Police questioned Niinami and searched his Tokyo home, though no illegal possession or use has been confirmed, and Niinami has denied any wrongdoing. The investigation is linked to a man arrested in July, and Niinami stated he believed the supplement was legal when purchased. Suntory has called an emergency press conference where company leaders, including President Nobuhiro Torii and Executive Vice President Kenji Yamada, are expected to address the situation. Niinami, who has been a prominent figure in Japanese business and economic advising, had previously led convenience store Lawson before joining Suntory as its first leader from outside the founding family. His resignation marks a significant moment for the company, which has faced challenges in global expansion amid a slowing domestic market.