Suntory Oceania has announced Dai Minato as CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, effective from April.
Described as a highly respected leader in the global beverage industry, Mr Minato has been a key “architect” in shaping Suntory’s global business across the Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific and US markets.
He will join Suntory Global Spirits Oceania Managing Director Mark Hill in leading the $3 billion multi-beverage business as it prepares to go-live in mid-2025 and enters a new era of growth in Australia and New Zealand.
Most recently, Mr Minato led the strategic agenda and expansion of the business outside of Japan as Chief Strategy & Finance Officer at Suntory Beverage & Food International.
“Dai’s appointment marks the next era for Suntory in Oceania as he leads the company’s bold growth plans in Oceania,” says Suntory Beverage & Food Asia Pacific CEO Jahanzeb Khan.
“I have every confidence he will empower the team to ignite the local market and achieve our enormous growth potential.”
Mr Minato has a close understanding of both the non-alcohol and alcohol sectors. Earlier in his career, he was a part of the acquisition and integration team for Beam Inc. (now Suntory Global Spirits), later leading the strategy and corporate development function in Chicago for more than five years.
“I am honoured to join the team in Oceania as we become the region’s newest multi-beverage player,” says Mr 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.”
Darren Fullerton, who announced his retirement in December 2024, will support the final stages of the creation of Suntory Oceania as a strategic advisor.
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 NZ in January 2026.
