Suntory names founder's great-grandson as new president

Dec 13 (NHK) - Japanese beverage giant Suntory Holdings has picked the great-grandson of its founder to be its new president.

Torii Nobuhiro will be the first person from the founding family to assume the top post in about 10 years.

Torii said in a news conference on Thursday: "We want to solidify our domestic business for alcohol, which is essential to competing with the world's biggest companies, and also strengthen our profitability in a more reliable and overwhelming way."

The 58-year-old Torii is currently executive vice president. He joined Suntory in 1997 and went on to serve in a range of posts, including president of the soft drinks and alcohol units.

Current President and CEO Niinami Takeshi will become Chairman and CEO with the right of representation.

He is also the chairperson of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives.

Torii and Niinami will assume their new posts after getting approval at a shareholders' meeting in March.

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