John Zillmer is Chief Executive Officer of Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), a Fortune 200 global leader in food, facilities and uniform services. The company employs 280,000 people and delivers innovative solutions and experiences that impact millions of lives every day in 19 countries worldwide. Aramark clients include leading organizations spanning universities, colleges and school districts, healthcare institutions, municipalities, stadiums and arenas, and businesses.
Zillmer was appointed CEO in 2019. He 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 departing Aramark in 2004, 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 on the Boards of CSX Corporation, Veritiv Corporation and Ecolab, Inc. He was named to NACD’s Directorship 100 in 2016 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to corporate governance.
Zillmer earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Through his family foundation, he 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.
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