Asahi Group Holdings has agreed to acquire Diageo’s 65% shareholding in East African Breweries (EABL) for USD 2.3 billion, marking the Japanese firm’s first historic market entry into Africa. Leading this strategic move is Atsushi Katsuki, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. Mr. Katsuki oversees the company’s global strategy, portfolio expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and sustainability initiatives.

He began his career at Nikka Whisky Distilling in April 1984 and joined Asahi in September 2002. He served as Managing Director (2011) and Director & Group CEO (2014) of Asahi Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, before returning to Japan to hold senior executive roles, including Executive Officer, Managing Executive Officer, Senior Managing Director, and Chief Finance Officer between 2016 and 2020.

He was appointed President and CEO, Representative Director of Asahi Group Holdings in March 2021, promoted to President and Group CEO in March 2024, and to his current role as President and Group CEO, Director, and Representative Executive Officer in March 2025. Under his leadership, Asahi has strengthened governance, integrated global operations, and executed transformative initiatives, including the landmark EABL acquisition.