Lessons from one woman’s ascent to a CEO job in Japan

IN THE early 1980s when Makiko Ono applied for a job at Suntory, the Japanese drinks group behind Jim Beam and Yamazaki, she was encouraged by the unusual sight at the time of female employees taking charge of the interview process. Her instinct told her that it was a company where women would be able to thrive in their career.

Four decades later, Ono proved herself right when she was tapped as the first female chief executive of Suntory’s listed beverage and food unit last week.

At first glance, the 62-year-old appears to have gone through a career track that seems grimly familiar.