Takeshi (Tak) Niinami - Chairman & CEO - Suntory Holdings Limited

What is your connection with Boston?

Boston is a city that has profoundly shaped my personal and professional journey. I earned my MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS) in 1991, and the experience continues to influence how I think, lead, and engage with the world.

Boston also plays a special role in advancing Suntory’s global leadership development. We conduct the Suntory Leadership Program at HBS, launched with the vision to cultivate future leaders across our global organization through exposure to world-class academic insights and diverse perspectives.

Each year, we bring together rising leaders from Suntory’s global businesses in Boston, where they engage with Harvard faculty and thought leaders on topics such as sustainability, innovation, and geopolitical strategy. I make it a point to join one of the sessions in person to interact with participants, share my experiences, and reinforce the importance of leadership grounded in our founding values. Boston’s rich academic and cultural environment provides the perfect setting for this kind of transformative learning.

What do you do?

I am the Chairman and CEO of Suntory Holdings, one of the world’s leading consumer products companies, with operations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

Suntory Group aims to inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Founded in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, Suntory has grown into a diversified global enterprise with operations in over 100 countries. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio that includes premium spirits—such as our award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki and Hibiki, iconic American whiskies Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, and innovative canned ready-to-drink product -196—as well as beer, wine, soft drinks, and wellness products.

At Suntory, we are guided by our founding spirit of “Yatte Minahare”—a call to boldly take on challenges—and our corporate philosophy of “Growing for Good.” These values are embedded in everything we do, from product innovation to sustainability programs, such as our Natural Water Sanctuary initiative.

Outside of Suntory, I have served since 2014 on the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy—a key advisory body to the Prime Minister of Japan that shapes the nation’s economic and fiscal policies. I also represent Japan’s corporate leadership as Chairman of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai).

Internationally, I serve as Co-Chair of the Trilateral Commission, a member of the Leadership Council of the World Economic Forum, and sit on the Global Board of Advisors of the Council on Foreign Affairs. I am also Chairman Emeritus of the Asia Business Council, and a member of the World Economic Forum’s International Business Council and The Business Council in the U.S.

Chairman & CEO Tak Niinami at the Suntory Leadership Program at Harvard University

What are the benefits and challenges of working in the U.S.?

The U.S. offers tremendous opportunities for innovation, growth, and global influence. It is a dynamic and competitive market where consumer preferences evolve rapidly, and where bold ideas can scale quickly. For Suntory, the U.S. has been a key driver of our global expansion—particularly through our spirits business, where brands like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark have become central to our portfolio.

One of the greatest benefits of operating in the U.S. is access to diverse talent and cutting-edge innovation ecosystems. The entrepreneurial spirit and openness to experimentation align well with our founding spirit of “Yatte Minahare”. The U.S. also provides a platform for global visibility and influence, which is essential for a company like ours that aspires to lead not only in business, but also in sustainability and social responsibility.

At the same time, the U.S. presents significant challenges. The geopolitical landscape is increasingly complex, with rising U.S.-China tensions and shifting trade policies—including tariffs—which are reshaping global supply chains, regulatory environments, and cross-border commerce. These uncertainties require us to be agile and forward-looking.

Another challenge is the cultural and operational diversity within the U.S. itself—especially regional variations in consumer behavior and rising expectations around sustainability, transparency, and social impact. To succeed, we must localize our strategies while staying true to our global values.

Ultimately, operating in the U.S. has strengthened our ability to lead globally. It has taught us to be more adaptive, data-driven, and attuned to the voices of consumers and communities. These lessons are invaluable as we continue to grow as a global company rooted in Japanese heritage and committed to creating value for society.

What is your favorite thing about Boston?

What I love most about Boston is its spirit of intellectual curiosity and global perspective. Whether walking through Harvard Yard or engaging in dialogue with local leaders, I’m always inspired by the city’s commitment to learning, innovation, and civic engagement. Boston is a place where East meets West, where tradition meets transformation—making it a perfect setting for U.S.–Japan collaboration.

Suntory Holdings Limited Website