Industrialist and philanthropist Sir John Zochonis dies aged 84
LEADING North West industrialist and philanthropist Sir John Zochonis has died aged 84.
Sir John, who founded the Zochonis Charitable Trust after retiring from Paterson Zochonis, now known as PZ Cussons, where he was chairman for 23 years.
The charitable trust has donated millions of pounds to good causes in the North West and beyond.
An intensely private individual, Sir John died after a short illness at the weekend.
Sir John was great-nephew of the company’s co-founder George Basil Zochonis. He joined the Group in 1953, becoming a director in 1957 and serving as Chairman from 1970 until his retirement in 1993.
During his time as chairman, the group’s footprint in Europe, Asia and Africa was expanded including the strategically important acquisition of Cussons in 1975.
He was knighted in 1997 for services to the community and is a former High Sherrif of Greater Manchester. He served on the Council of the University of Manchester from 1987 to 1990 and was a governor of Withington Girls School between 1995 band 1998.
PZ Cussons said: “The majority family ownership of the Group remains unchanged following Sir John’s death. A memorial service will take place following a private family funeral.”
Among the good causes he supported were: Chethams School of Music; Buxton Festival; Manchester International Festival; Manchester Art Gallery; The Lowry Centre; Manchester Mid-day Concert Series; Royal Exchange Theatre and the Northern Chamber Orchestra.
Julia Fawcett, chief executive of The Lowry, led the tributes: “Sir John Zochonis was a vital supporter of The Lowry’s work from our opening in 2000, both through his generous philanthropy and also his true passion for the arts at all levels.
“His support has been a pivotal part of The Lowry’s success to date and has enabled us to pursue our mission of bringing the best artists from around the world to the North West and of being a true resource for our local communities. Support of this magnitude will be hugely missed but the phenomenal impact of his commitment to the arts in Greater Manchester will live on forever.”
