John J. Zillmer grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and his first job was as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. That early experience gave him a taste of the food service world that later shaped his career. He went on to study business and earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, a degree that prepared him for leadership roles.
First Run at Aramark
Zillmer joined Aramark in 1986 and spent nearly 20 years with the company. He took on a wide range of roles, starting in operating systems and then moving into regional and area leadership. Over time, he became Executive Vice President of Business Dining Services, President of the Business Services Group, President of International, and finally President of Global Food & Support Services.
By the mid-2000s, Aramark had become one of the biggest food and support service providers in North America, and Zillmer was part of that growth. Company records list his first chapter at Aramark as lasting until 2004 or 2005, depending on the source, but either way, he left after nearly two decades of service.
Allied Waste and Univar
After leaving Aramark, Zillmer became Chairman and CEO of Allied Waste Industries, a major trash and recycling company. He led the firm until 2008, when it merged with Republic Services.
In 2009, he took over as CEO of Univar, a global distributor of chemicals and ingredients. He later became Executive Chairman and retired from the company in 2012. These jobs showed his ability to move beyond food services and run very different businesses on a global scale.
Coming Back to Aramark
In October 2019, John Zillmer returned to Aramark, this time as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. By then, Aramark was serving schools, hospitals, businesses, stadiums, and cultural institutions in nearly 20 countries. His comeback was welcomed because he knew the company well and had also gained experience leading other large corporations.
At Aramark, he put attention on culture and service, saying the company’s strength comes not only from financial results but also from how employees treat clients and work together.
Board Roles and Recognition
Beyond Aramark, Zillmer has also contributed to other companies. He serves as Non-Executive Chairman of CSX Corporation, a leading rail transportation company. He has also served on the boards of Ecolab Inc., Veritiv Corporation, and Performance Food Group, Inc.
In 2016, the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) included him in its “Directorship 100,” a list that highlights people who have made a strong impact in corporate leadership and governance.
Pay as CEO
Running a company the size of Aramark comes with major responsibilities and significant pay. According to official filings, Zillmer earned about $13.3 million in total compensation for fiscal 2022. Later filings show his pay increased in subsequent years, with stock awards making up the bulk of his package.
Giving Back To The Community
Outside of business, Zillmer and his family have been involved in charitable work. Through their foundation, they have supported projects that help children and families in need. One notable effort is the Inspiration Center at Machame Hospital in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. The center provides space for doctors, nurses, and patients, showing that his family’s support extends far beyond corporate offices.
A Full Circle Career
John J. Zillmer’s story is one of leaving and returning. He started at Aramark, left to run other major companies, and came back to lead the very place where his journey began. Along the way, he has been recognized for his work in governance, trusted by other companies to sit on their boards, and committed to giving back through philanthropy.
From a worker in the kitchen to a CEO, his path shows how early lessons, education, and decades of experience can come together in a career that spans industries, countries, and communities.
Image Credit – inquirer.com
