Sleeman Breweries welcomes new president and CEO

In 1997, Mike joined Sapporo Breweries in Japan. After starting in a domestic sales role for Tokyo, he later transferred to the Overseas Department, with responsibility for the Asia and Oceania territories.

In 2004, Mike moved to the United States as Executive Vice-President for Sapporo USA. Six years later, he moved to Guelph, Ont. and joined Sleeman Breweries Ltd. as Vice-President, Finance and Business Strategy. In 2022, Mike returned to Sapporo USA as President and CEO. Now, Mike is back with Sleeman Breweries in the seniormost role for the company.

“I’m happy to see everybody again,” says Mike. “I am looking forward to working with everyone here together again for our vision of Better Beer – and Better Beyond Beer – for All.”

Each subsidiary of Sapporo Breweries, the parent company of Sleeman Breweries Ltd., is run by a member of Sapporo’s Japanese leadership team. Mike Minami assumes the role of President and CEO from predecessor Hiro Kitaoka.

An avid world traveller, Mike has also discovered a Canadian hobby that he enjoys. Mike fishes in rivers and lakes and can even be found in an ice fishing hut during the colder months.

We are excited to welcome Mike back to Sleeman Breweries and look forward to the company’s success under his leadership.