John Zillmer is a highly effective and successful business leader with deep experience and expertise in the food services and related businesses, corporate culture, logistics and corporate governance. Zillmer is also an expert in strategies for business optimization and process improvement, having previously served Aramark for nearly two decades with a focus on clients and consumers.
During his time at the Company, Zillmer progressed through the ranks, acting as Vice President of Operating Systems, Regional VP, Area VP, Executive VP Business Dining Services, President of Business Services Group and President of International, ultimately becoming President of Global Food and Support Services. Under his leadership, Aramark Food & Support Services was a best-in-class company and the largest food management provider in North America.
After leaving Aramark, Zillmer became Chairman and CEO of Allied Waste Industries. He also served as CEO and Executive Chairman of Univar, a global chemical and ingredients distributor.
Zillmer currently serves as Non-Executive Chairman of CSX Corporation as well as on the Boards of Veritiv Corporation, Performance Food Group (PFG) Company, Inc. and Ecolab, Inc. He was named to NACD’s Directorship 100 in 2016 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to corporate governance. Zillmer intends to retire from the Veritiv and PFG Boards.
Through his family foundation, Zillmer focuses his philanthropic efforts on the needs of children and families in Tanzania and Haiti. The foundation built the Inspiration Center, a multi-purpose facility for doctors, nurses and patients at the Machame Hospital in the Kilimanjaro district in Tanzania.
Aramark Corporation, known commonly as Aramark, is an American foodservice, facilities, and clothing provider supplying businesses, educational institutions, sports facilities, federal and state prisons, and health care institutions. It is headquartered at the Aramark Tower in Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[2] Aramark's revenues reached 13.5 billion USD in 2012 and was listed as the 23rd largest employer on the Fortune 500.[3] Its revenue in 2013 was $13.95 billion, and $14.832 billion in 2014.