Makiko Ono

Makiko Ono is the Chief Executive Officer of Suntory Beverages and Food, marking her as the first woman to hold this position within the company. She assumed this role in March 2023, after a lengthy tenure that began in 1982, fresh from her college graduation. Over the years, Ono has proven instrumental in fortifying Suntory's global presence, playing a key role in the company's foreign acquisitions, which include partnerships with Lucozade, Ribena, and Orangina, as well as the acquisition of a French winery.

Under Ono's leadership, Suntory has not only made strides in the beverage industry but also historical strides in corporate Japan, becoming the largest listed Japanese company with a woman at its helm. Her visionary leadership and innovative strategies have earned her spots on several prestigious lists. In 2023, she was named one of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes, recognized as one of Time magazine's Women of the Year, and ranked 64th on Fortune's list of Most Powerful Women.

Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Ono is an advocate for gender equality in the workforce. She is committed to increasing female leadership within Suntory, targeting 30% female managers by 2030. This pledge is particularly significant within the context of the current statistics, which indicate that only 12% of managers at Suntory are female. Ono's initiatives position her not only as a leader in the beverage industry but also as a champion for women in business.