In an exclusive report, Niinami Takeshi (新浪剛史), also known as Takashi Sina, is said to have proposed an approach that places geopolitics at the starting point of Japanese companies’ strategies. His career as former chairman of Suntory Holdings, the circumstances surrounding his resignation and investigation, and his current activities are outlined.
Niinami Takeshi (新浪剛史), former chairman of Suntory Holdings, is said to have called for Japanese companies to strengthen their response to geopolitical risks. He resigned in September 2025 after Fukuoka Prefectural Police searched his home over suspected illegal imports of supplements. He was referred to prosecutors in April 2026, but was reportedly not prosecuted in May.
In this context, Niinami Takeshi (新浪剛史) has stressed the importance of business strategies built on international geopolitical risks as a given. In the discussion, he reportedly positioned geopolitics as the starting point for global management and established SGAC (Suntory Global Advisory Council), inviting Jake Sullivan, who served as a US presidential adviser, and others to join as advisers. He said it was essential to establish a framework capable of gaining insight into future risks and opportunities by preparing multiple scenarios.
Niinami Takeshi (新浪剛史) pointed out that Japanese companies remain weak in developing strategies based on geopolitical assumptions and emphasized the importance of strategies that incorporate geopolitical risks. The discussion, held as a special conversation with Shiono Makoto (塩野誠), highlighted the need for strategies based on geopolitics and the limited extent of similar initiatives in Japan as key challenges.
As part of his current activities, Niinami Takeshi (新浪剛史) is reportedly pursuing efforts to use global expertise through SGAC. His remarks are reported to be intended to promote the adoption of an approach that places geopolitics at the starting point of business strategy.