Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (located in Tsunan, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture) announces significant executive personnel changes, including the appointment of a new CEO, at its 70th annual shareholder meeting held on December 3, 2023, in Tsunan, Niigata Prefecture. Kengo Suzuki, a founding member of Euglena Co., Ltd. and renowned as “One of the leading experts in Euglena research” has been appointed as the new CEO. These changes mark a strategic move to enhance the company’s international expansion based on the science of sake brewing.
Background:
Tsunan Brewing, under its motto “Brew for Future — Brewing a Symbiotic Future,” has been led for the past three years by Atsushi Kabasawa of FARM8 Co., Ltd. in Niigata Prefecture. The company has actively adopted digital transformation (DX) in brewing, utilizing IT and data management to cater to the evolving needs of customers, especially in the rapidly changing sake market during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its new brands “GO” and “Tsunan,” launched in early 2020 through online sales, have been thriving. The appointment of Kengo Suzuki as CEO is aimed at responding to significant domestic market changes and strengthening global business expansion.
New Executive Structure:
CEO: Kengo Suzuki
Chairman of the Board: Atsushi Kabasawa (formerly CEO)
Director: Toru Yoshino
Director: Ai Tsuruma
Director: Taichi Murayama
New CEO’s Profile:
Kengo Suzuki, CEO, Tsunan Brewing Co., Ltd.
Graduated from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Agriculture in 2003.
Co-founded Euglena Co., Ltd. in 2005.
Completed master’s degree at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences in 2006.
Earned a Doctorate in Agriculture from the University of Tokyo Graduate School in 2016.
Obtained a Doctorate in Medicine from Kitasato University Graduate School in 2019.
CEO’s Inaugural Address:
“I am honored to take on the role of CEO at Tsunan Brewing. My background in microbial research, production, and management will be instrumental in integrating sake brewing with science to create new value. Our company aims to produce world-class products in an environmentally sustainable manner, focusing on minimizing environmental impact throughout the production process while enhancing product quality and characteristics to increase our competitiveness in the global market. I sincerely ask for your continued support and cooperation.”
Future Direction from December 2023:
In response to social challenges like Japan’s aging population and the rapid societal changes brought about by the widespread use of generative AI, Tsunan Brewing aims to adapt its business and brewing practices to these new challenges. Inspired by Henry Mintzberg’s assertion that management is a blend of ‘art,’ ‘science,’ and ‘craft,’ our company will clarify its approach in each area to adapt to the new era.
Company Overview:
Tsunan Brewing Co., Ltd.
[Address] Niigata Prefecture, Nakauonuma District, Tsunan Town
[Website] https://tsunan-sake.com/
About ”Go” series:
WEB site about the “GO” series of Tsunan Brewing’s representative brands.
GO GRANDCLASS.
GO VINTAGE
GO DOLCE
https://tsunan-sake.com/go