Tokyo, 2 September (Read): Takeshi Niinami, CEO of Japanese beverage giant Suntory Holdings, has resigned after becoming the subject of a police investigation over alleged possession of an illegal drug. The resignation, announced Tuesday after market close, was confirmed by Suntory President Nobuhiro Torii, who cited “governance issues” as the reason for Niinami’s immediate departure.

Niinami, 66, has led Suntory since 2014, driving strong growth in both sales and profits, and earning industry-wide respect. Details of the alleged illegal drug remain unclear as the investigation continues. Company executives suggested the substance in question might have been a supplement Niinami obtained personally, which he reportedly did not know was illegal.

Vice President Kenji Yamada said, “Regardless of whether he is found innocent or guilty, we feel he is not fit for the job.”
Torii, who is from Suntory’s founding family, will assume full business responsibility until a new CEO is appointed.

Suntory shares closed up 2.9% in Tokyo trading on Tuesday.

Bhupendra singh chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur kiranhis insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.