Solar CEO Takeshi Niinami resigns in investigation into illegal

Suntory Holdings held a press conference on Tuesday announcing its CEO and chairman Takeshi Niinami is resigning. President Nobuhiro Torii and other executives revealed that he was investigated by police on August 22 and Fukuoka Prefecture police searched his Tokyo home. One of Japan’s most famous business leaders is allegedly buying supplements containing illegal substances from overseas acquaintances. According to Niinami, he bought the supplements and considered them legal.

Sun Tory is not ready to wait for the results of the investigation

“For senior management of the Solar Group, strict compliance with laws and regulations is essential, and it is essential to be cautious when purchasing supplements,” Beverage Corporate Group said. explain In the statement. “So, without awaiting the findings, the company determined that Takeshi Niinami’s behavior demonstrated a lack of awareness of supplements, which prevented him from continuing as a key position of representative director, chairman and CEO.”

Broadcaster Nippon TV quoted sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, saying Niimani was suspected of importing products that contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Last year, Japan’s amendment to the cannabis control law and the anesthesia and mental control law came into effect, with the maximum fine for possession, transfer and use of marijuana increased from five years to seven years. Cannabidiol (CBD) products are legal here, but must be without THC.

Takeshi Niinami, CEO of Suntory Holdings
| c/o Virgin Equity

About Takeshi Niinami

mine Tell this asahi shimbun He “didn’t know it was an illegal addition,” I added, “I’m innocent.” The 66-year-old Yokohama City, considered a maverick in the company, became the first executive of the Christmas family when he was appointed CEO and president in 2014. Harvard Business School graduate, he is outspoken about how to manage Japan’s economy.

“I truly respect Niinami as a bold, decisive and capable leader.” explain There was a tear-eyed Tori at Tuesday’s press conference. “He has greatly increased his revenue and profits, which is an undeniable achievement.” Torii, the great-grandson of Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii, replaced Niinami as president of Suntory in December last year. Niimani takes the position of CEO and becomes chairman of the company. He also serves as chairman of the influential Keizai Doyukai Commercial Hall. He reportedly did not intend to resign.

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