Suntory
Global Leadership Development Programme

Suntory, established in 1899, is a global multifaceted beverage company. Evolving from a Japanese whisky and wine pioneer, Suntory became a global player through strategic acquisitions; today, it operates as “One Suntory, One Family”, encompassing over 265 companies and 41,000 employees across beverages, alcohol, and health supplements worldwide.

Rooted in the vision of its iconoclastic founder, Shinjiro Torii, Suntory has consistently defied conventional norms, making bold bets on products from sweet port wine to Japanese whisky, ultimately transforming into a global player through strategic acquisitions like Jim Beam and Orangina. This historical narrative of bold challenges and relentless pursuit of new value is encapsulated in one of Suntory’s enduring values: “Yatte Minahare”, which effectively translates as “Do it”.

The Møller Institute has collaborated with Suntory since 2018, both on regionally- and specific business-focused programmes, but most particularly in delivering the Suntory Group’s Global Leadership Development programme. This programme supports mid career senior leadership talent from across businesses to equip themselves with the mindsets, behaviours and insights to thrive as they step up to the next challenges of leading the organisation forward.

The goal of the GLDP

The Suntory Global Leadership Development Programme is more than just a training initiative; it is a meticulously designed journey that deeply intertwines with the very essence of Suntory’s corporate philosophy and identity.

Suntory’s overarching purpose and philosophy is “To inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature”. This fundamental principle guides both its business and social contribution activities, alongside another core value, “Giving Back to Society,” which mandates reinvesting profits for the good of consumers and society. Complementing these is “Growing for Good,” emphasising growth as individuals and as a corporation towards a better world. The GLDP is a pivotal mechanism for embedding these values, developing leaders who can propel Suntory’s vision as “One Suntory. One Family” across its many companies and diverse global operations.

The programme’s aims directly mirror Suntory’s aspirations: to develop a Global Leadership mindset through Strategic Leadership Development, foster an understanding and connection to the Suntory Leadership Spirit (SLS), broaden perspectives, build a global network, and create emotional bonds to Suntory and its leaders worldwide.

(Module 2, Thailand, 2025)

Designed in collaboration with the Møller Institute, the GLDP sees its seventh iteration in 25-26, adapting its structure each year to client needs and emerging challenges. Each year targets approximately 25 leaders from multiple markets and various business units, with 23-24 doubling the participant due to the high demand for this leadership development.

The GLDP unfolds in three distinct phases, each contributing to the holistic development of Suntory’s future leaders.

Discovery Zone

“Discovery,” is designed for participants to uncover their relationship to leadership, understand their roles, and identify underlying leadership preferences within the SLS framework. Revolving around a one-week in-person learning experience which takes place in a key Suntory ‘Gemba’ market, a core objective is to deepen their self awareness and build foundational relationships crucial for their GLDP journey and future careers within Suntory.

Equally important is the fostering of a deeper connection with Suntory’s culture and purpose. Activities like Your journey to today involves participants sharing life stories, building social bonds, and reflecting on change and growth. Your Suntory story facilitates connections by having participants share their career progressions and commonalities within the company. Your leadership journey encourages individual reflection on their leadership experiences and roles, embracing the group’s diversity.

Unique Experiential challenges and market visits are integral, providing practical leadership scenarios and insights into market dynamics, reinforcing Suntory’s commitment to diversity and connection to its business reality. Virtual Leadership Labs explore different styles, preparing for growth, and the power of trust, directly aligning with discovering leadership preferences and making the SLS real. These elements lay the groundwork for leaders to embody “Yatte Minahare” by embracing self-discovery and diverse approaches.

(Thailand, 2024)

Mapped Journey

“Mapped Journey,” an online module, focuses on equipping leaders with knowledge on key topics relevant to their roles, fostering continued engagement among participants on significant business issues, and preparing them for Action Learning Projects (ALPs).

Sessions have covered critical areas such as leadership for growth, sustainability, innovation, strategy execution and other key areas for the successful development of the organisation. These topics directly link to Suntory’s dedication to sustainable business growth and coexisting with society and nature and are delivered by leading topic experts associated with the Møller Institute.

For instance, the sustainability session leverages ESG perspectives to examine dimensions for creating a truly sustainable business, highlighting Suntory’s leadership in this area through initiatives like “Water Positive” and the “Mizuiku” nature and water education programme. The innovation session explores risk-taking, curiosity, and the “Gemba mindset” – reflecting the “Yatte Minahare” spirit. Regional group sessions provide platforms for participants to discuss practical applications of content and compare insights across different global contexts, strengthening the “One Suntory” network.

Unchartered Territory

Finally, “Uncharted territory,” involves a blend of online and in-person activities, culminating in a face-to-face learning experience based in Tokyo. This phase challenges participants to collaborate across the organisation to solve a business challenge through a 10-week Action Learning Project and to present their solutions to a senior audience. This hands-on experience embodies the “Yatte Minahare” ethos of embracing challenges and delivering results.

Participants also engage in reflection to define their future leadership pathways and deepen their relationship with Suntory’s ‘DNA’, heritage and future. Sessions like “Leading in a global business” further reinforce the importance of a cohesive “One Suntory” approach across the diverse global enterprise. Meanwhile, further experiential activities such as wheelchair basketball, tree-planting, engaging with the internally facing social enterprise The Collaborative Centre and visits to Suntory production facilities deepen the lessons learned.

The programme culminates with ALP presentations, reflections on learning, and conversations with members of the executive leadership team, connecting the participants directly with the highest levels of Suntory’s leadership and vision.

From Sally Cannan, Head of Global Development – Leadership & Culture, Suntory University, Suntory Holdings:

The support and trust we have had to guide our leaders and create magical life changing experiences through GLDP speaks volumes about Suntory’s focus on our future generations and long term business impact. From setting intentional foundational group dynamics through meaningful and authentic conversations, to experiential activities that edge our leaders forward and exposure to next level academic input from our Moller partnership, Suntory leaders invited to this 10 month program never look back. The experience shapes them as people inside and outside of work. And to lead this program is truly humbling and a privilege.

We also received feedback from the GLDP programme participants:

How has the GLDP Programme transformed ‘you’ and ‘your leadership style’?

• The biggest transformation for me is that I couldn’t design my as a future as a leader before, but, thanks to GLDP, I could have more visibility and imagine how it could be now. 

• GLDP has been an incredibly insightful and culturally transformative experience for me. It broadened my perspective by exposing me to diverse ways of thinking and problem-solving across cultures and markets. Engaging with peers from around the world not only expanded my network, but also deepened my understanding of how leadership is shaped by context and culture.

• I feel confident and empowered to continue to grow as a leader at Suntory with intention. I have a better understanding of myself as a leader and how others view me as a leader.

• GLDP gave me time to reflect on self more than I ever had before and allowed me the space to understand the way I show up as a leader and the impact it can bring.

• Lately I have found myself wishing I was more like other leaders on my team, and while I know that it’s good to emulate leaders I look up to, the team feedback was a heartwarming reminder to me that it’s ok to be me, and I can still be a leader as I am. I hope to remind myself of this when doubts creep in and take it forward with me.