Suntory Oceania appoints Dai Minato as new CEO to lead US$3B beverage venture 

AUSTRALIA – Suntory Oceania has named Dai Minato as the new CEO of its beverage and food division, effective April 2025, succeeding Darren Fullerton, who will retire after steering the company through its formative phase.  

Minato transitions from his role as Chief Strategy & Finance Officer at Suntory Beverage & Food International, where he shaped the company’s global strategy across Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the U.S. markets. 

Minato will partner with Managing Director Mark Hill to launch Suntory Oceania’s US$3 billion multi-beverage business, set to debut in Australia in July 2025 and New Zealand in January 2026.  

Jahanzeb Khan, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Asia Pacific, praised the appointment, stating, “Dai’s leadership marks the next era for Suntory in Oceania. His vision will empower the team to ignite the local market and unlock our growth potential.”  

Minato’s extensive background in both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage sectors, including his pivotal role in the acquisition and integration of Beam Inc. (now Suntory Global Spirits) and subsequent leadership in strategy and corporate development in Chicago, positions him well for the role. 

Minato said, “I am honored to join the Oceania team as we emerge as the region’s newest multi-beverage player. Our 125-year legacy, exceptional craftsmanship, 40 market-leading brands, and talented team are the foundation of our ambitions.”  

The new venture, a collaboration between Suntory Global Spirits and Suntory Beverage & Food, aims to redefine the beverage landscape in the region. 

Fullerton, retiring in April after announcing his departure in December 2024, will remain a strategic advisor during the final stages of Suntory Oceania’s creation.  

Ahead of the launch, the company is recruiting for 80 positions in its Licensed Route-to-Market team, signaling robust preparations.  

Additionally, James Chamberlain has been appointed as New Zealand Licensed Sales Director to support the company’s market entry in early 2026. 

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