Takeshi Niinami

Takeshi Niinami (新浪 剛史, Niinami Takeshi; born January 30, 1959) is a Japanese business executive who served as President, CEO, and Representative Director of Suntory Holdings Limited, Japan's largest alcoholic beverage maker, from October 2014 until his resignation in September 2025. He is the longest-serving business leader as senior economic advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan.

Prior to Suntory, Niinami transformed Lawson, Inc. into one of Asia's major convenience store operators, posting profit growth for 12 consecutive years and quadrupling its market capitalization during his tenure. He notably declined the position of CEO of Nissan Motors in 2019.

Early life and education

Takeshi Niinami was born on January 30, 1959, in Yokohama, Japan, the major port city south of Tokyo.

He attended Harvard Business School, where he graduated with honors, earning his Master of Business Administration degree.

Career

Mitsubishi Corporation (1981–1995)

Niinami started his career in 1981 at Mitsubishi Corporation, one of Japan's largest sogo shosha (general trading companies). He worked in various roles within the conglomerate's diverse businesses.

Sodex Corporation (1995–2002)

In 1995, Niinami was appointed CEO of Sodex Corporation (currently LEOC Co.), a hospital food service joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Sodexo of France. He founded and built the company, ultimately taking it public in 1999—an early demonstration of his entrepreneurial abilities within a corporate structure.

Lawson (2002–2014)

In May 2002, Niinami was appointed President and CEO of Lawson, Inc., one of Japan's largest convenience store chains. He would lead the company for 12 years, transforming it into one of Asia's major convenience store operators.

Under his leadership, Lawson achieved:

• Profit growth for 12 consecutive years
• Market capitalization quadrupled
• Expansion of product lines and store formats
• Strengthened position against rivals Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart

In May 2014, he transitioned to Chairman and Representative Director before moving to Suntory later that year.

Suntory Holdings (2014–2025)

On October 1, 2014, Niinami became President and CEO of Suntory Holdings Limited, the privately-held Japanese beverage conglomerate. The appointment was notable as Suntory brought in an outside executive to lead the family-controlled company.

At Suntory, Niinami oversaw:

• Integration of Beam Inc. (acquired 2014 for $16 billion), maker of Jim Beam bourbon
• Management of global spirits, beer, soft drinks, and wellness businesses
• Revenue of approximately $25 billion annually

In 2019, Niinami reportedly declined an offer to become CEO of Nissan Motors, which was in turmoil following the arrest of Carlos Ghosn.

Niinami resigned as Suntory CEO in September 2025.

Government advisory roles

Niinami has been unusually influential in Japanese economic policy, serving as senior economic advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan since 2014—the longest-serving business leader in this role.

His government and advisory positions include:

• Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy – Senior Economic Advisor to Prime Minister (2014–present)
• Industrial Competitiveness Council of Japan – Member
• Japan Association of Corporate Executives (KEIZAI DOYUKAI) – Vice Chairman

Through these roles, Niinami has influenced Japanese economic policy on issues including corporate governance, labor market reform, and economic revitalization.

Personal life

Details about Niinami's wife and family are not publicly disclosed. He maintains privacy regarding his personal life while being publicly active on business and policy matters.

Controversies

Corporate governance debates

As a prominent advocate for corporate governance reform in Japan, Niinami has occasionally faced criticism from traditionalists who view his advocacy for shareholder-focused management as importing Western practices that conflict with Japanese stakeholder capitalism traditions.

Alcoholic beverage industry issues

As CEO of Japan's largest alcoholic beverage maker, Niinami has navigated ongoing debates about alcohol marketing, public health, and the industry's social responsibility—standard challenges for executives in the sector.

Awards and honors

• Outstanding Manager Award – 21st Corporate Communication Awards of the Japan Business Federation (KEIDANREN)
• Global Leadership Award (2016) – Committee for Economic Development

Board memberships and affiliations

International organizations

• World Economic Forum – Member, International Business Council
• Council on Foreign Relations – Member, Global Board of Advisors
• The Business Council (US) – Member

Japanese organizations

• Japan Association of Corporate Executives (KEIZAI DOYUKAI) – Vice Chairman
• Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy – Senior Advisor to Prime Minister