Suntory Oceania has appointed Dai Minato as CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, effective from April, as the business gears up for the launch of its $3 billion multi-beverage business in mid-2025.
Minato’s appointment follows the retirement announcement in December of current CEO, Darren Fullerton, who will continue on as an advisor from March.
Described by Suntory as “a highly respected leader in the global beverage industry”, Minato has been key in shaping Suntory’s global business across the Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific and U.S. markets. Most recently, he led the strategic agenda and expansion of the business outside of Japan as Suntory Beverage & Food International chief strategy & finance officer.
Source: Suntory Oceania
“I am honoured to join the team in Oceania as we become the region's newest multi-beverage player,” said Minato.
“Our business is anchored in our 125-year-old history, extraordinary craftsmanship, 40 market-leading brands and most of all, our driven and diverse team.”
Minato will join Suntory Global Spirits Oceania managing director, Mark Hill, in leading the multi-beverage business as Suntory enters a new era of growth in Australia and New Zealand.
Suntory Beverage & Food Asia Pacific CEO, Jahanzeb Khan, said: “Dai's appointment marks the next era for Suntory in Oceania as he leads the company’s bold growth plans in Oceania. I have every confidence he will empower the team to ignite the local market and achieve our enormous growth potential.”
The $3 billion Suntory Oceania partnership will bring together the end-to-end manufacturing, sales and distribution of Suntory's licensed and non-alcohol portfolios. It will officially go-live in Australia in July 2025 and in New Zealand in January 2026.
In preparation, Suntory Oceania has announced a national recruitment drive for 80 new roles in its Licensed Route-to-Market team. The new Territory Manager positions will be based in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA, representing the company’s premium alcohol portfolio.
The company recently appointed Jared Chamberlain as its New Zealand licensed sales director, who will establish Suntory's New Zealand licensed Route to Market presence and lead the team there.
