Suntory Oceania has appointed experienced leader Dai Minato as CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, effective April 2025.
A senior figure in the global beverage industry, Minato will lead the company alongside Mark Hill, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits Oceania.
Minato currently serves as Chief Strategy & Finance Officer at Suntory Beverage & Food International, where he has played a key role in expanding the company beyond Japan. He has also worked in strategy and corporate development for Beam Inc. (now Suntory Global Spirits) in Chicago.
Jahanzeb Khan, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Asia Pacific, said Minato’s appointment marks a significant step in the company’s regional growth.
“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.”
Minato said he is honoured to join the team in Oceania as it becomes the region’s newest multi-beverage player.
“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.”
The transition follows the retirement of Darren Fullerton, who announced his departure in December 2024. Fullerton will continue as a strategic advisor during the final stages of Suntory Oceania’s establishment.
Suntory Oceania, a $3 billion partnership, will integrate the company’s licensed and non-alcohol portfolios across Australia and New Zealand. The business is set to launch in Australia in July 2025 and in New Zealand in January 2026.
In preparation, Suntory Oceania has begun a national recruitment drive, seeking 80 new Territory Managers across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and WA. These roles will support the company’s licensed portfolio and market presence.
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