Yoshihiko Shibuya will resign as CEO and return to Suntory Japan at the end of May after the completion of his four-year term. Makoto Nagae, currently the managing director of Beam-Suntory Taiwan, has been named as ASC Fine Wines’ new chief executive.

Nagae joined the Suntory Group in 1990 and has worked in the sales department in Kobe and Osaka Japan in the beginning. He then moved to different areas of Greater China and is experienced in the drink business in Guangzhou and on-trade market for beer in Shanghai.

After over five years’ service in the company, COO Simon Wang departed ASC on 9 April and Mario Aron, former CEO of Sarment, is taking over the position.

Born in Germany, Aron has over 30 years’ experience in the wine and supply chain industries in various areas in Asia such as Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.

He is proficient in five languages including Chinese and Japanese. Aron will lead the ASC’s EXCOM team to define and advance the long term strategy for ASC in terms of its structure and business mix.

Shibuya said of his departure: “In the past few years China’s wine market experienced many challenges. I am proud that I could face these challenges together with the entire team of ASC.

“It has not been an easy journey, and of course we got our way right, and I do believe that today ASC as a company is much stronger than ever.

“I am pleased that Makoto will be the next CEO and Mario the new COO. Their unique experiences – so wonderfully complimenting each other – will add unprecedented values for ASC’s development in the China market that Suntory Group are deeply committed to.

“They will pursue Suntory’s “Gemba spirit” (on-site spirit) to understand the need of consumers and customers, thus to continuously strive to earn their trust and exceed their expectations.”

When Aron left Sarment in the beginning of April, he also revealed the news that Sarment is going to shut its business in Asia. More details of the news will follow shortly.