Takeshi Niinami, chairman and chief executive officer of Suntory Holdings, stunned the global business world this week by resigning after an internal investigation into his purchase of supplements that allegedly contained cannabis components. The sudden exit places the spotlight not only on Suntory but also on Japan's uncompromising drug laws, which criminalize substances that are legal in many other countries.
A Sudden Exit From a Global Stage
Suntory confirmed that Niinami submitted his resignation after internal deliberations. Although the supplements were reportedly purchased in the United States and Niinami maintains he believed them to be legal in Japan, the case underscores the precarious line executives must walk in a nation with some of the strictest drug policies in the world.
In a statement, Niinami called it "regrettable" that he could no longer continue as chairman. Despite reviewing the ingredients before purchase, he ultimately stepped down "to avoid causing further trouble, in accordance with the company's judgment," according to Suntory.
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