Makiko Ono - CNBC

Illustration by Monica Ahanonu

Company: Suntory Beverage & Food
Title: President & Chief Executive Officer
Industry: Consumer products
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Notable in 2023: Exceeded sales growth forecast in first year as the company's first female CEO.

Out of the top companies on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, fewer than 1% have a female CEO, according to Tokyo Shoko Research. Makiko Ono is breaking the mold as Suntory Beverage & Food CEO and president.

Since Ono took the helm in March 2023 and became the first woman to lead a one trillion yen brand (roughly $11 billion market cap), the company has expanded into new territory. In August, Suntory created a ready-to-drink alcoholic and non-alcoholic division called Suntory Oceania in Australia and New Zealand. Ono told Reuters she sees vast opportunities ahead, especially in Europe's energy, coffee and tea markets.

At Suntory, we share 'Yatte Minahare' spirit. Yatte Minahare means the spirit of ambition to dream big, take challenges, and never give up.

Makiko Ono

President & Chief Executive Officer, Suntory Beverage & Food

Ono told the Japan Times her team had an acquisition budget of as much as $5.4 billion that she planned to spend in the next few years. It's an area that she has experience in. When she was based in Europe, she led Suntory deals including the purchase of French soda brand Orangina, as well as U.K. beverage brands Lucozade and Ribena. Ono also helped with the revitalization of Orangina's Oasis brand, which recorded its highest-selling volume in the third quarter of 2023.

In addition, Ono has spearheaded efforts to bring more female leadership to the company. Suntory is aiming to have 30% of its management roles held by women by 2030, compared to just 13% when Ono took the top position. She has been outspoken about allowing working women to have time to raise families, and she encourages young women to take up a career in business.

"When opportunity comes, just give it a try," Ono said to TIME. "Even if you fail, you won't be stuck with it for the rest of your life, so take on challenges with an open mind."

Changemakers is an annual list spotlighting women whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the business world. Click here to view the full list and continuing coverage.

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