Suntory Oceania has announced the appointment of Dai Minato as the new CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, effective from April 2025.
Minato, a highly respected leader in the global beverage industry, has been a key architect in shaping Suntory’s global business across Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the United States.
Minato will lead the $3 billion multi-beverage business alongside Mark Hill, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits Oceania. Together, they will oversee the company’s operations as it prepares to go live in mid-2025, marking a new era of growth in both Australia and New Zealand.
Minato’s most recent role was as Chief Strategy & Finance Officer at Suntory Beverage & Food International, where he spearheaded the strategic agenda and expansion of the business outside Japan. His extensive background includes a deep understanding of both the non-alcohol and alcohol sectors. Earlier in his career, he was part of the acquisition and integration team for Beam Inc. (now Suntory Global Spirits), before leading strategy and corporate development in Chicago for more than five years.
Commenting on his new role, Minato expressed his excitement, saying: “I am honoured to join the team in Oceania as we become 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.”
Jahanzeb Khan, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Asia Pacific, said Minato’s appointment marks the next era for Suntory in Oceania as he leads the company’s bold growth plans.
“I have every confidence he will empower the team to ignite the local market and achieve our enormous growth potential,” he said.
Minato’s appointment follows Darren Fullerton, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania’s retirement announcement in December 2024. Fullerton will continue to support the final stages of the creation of Suntory Oceania as a strategic advisor.
The $3 billion Suntory Oceania partnership will integrate the end-to-end manufacturing, sales, and distribution of Suntory’s licensed and non-alcohol portfolios. The partnership is set to officially launch in Australia in July 2025, followed by New Zealand in January 2026.
As part of the preparation for this expansion, Suntory Oceania has launched a national recruitment drive for 80 new roles in its Licensed Route-to-Market team. The new Territory Manager positions, which will be based in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, and WA, will play an essential role in representing Suntory’s premium alcohol portfolio.
Suntory’s growth strategy in Oceania is set to reshape the regional beverage landscape, and with Minato at the helm, the company is poised to make significant strides in the marketplace.