Sir John Zochonis, former Chair of VUM Council (1929-2013)

06 Dec 2013

We learned with great sadness of the death of Sir John Zochonis, notable business leader as former Chairman of PZ Cussons and a great friend and supporter of The University of Manchester over many decades.

Sir John served on the Victoria University of Manchester's Court and Council for over 20 years, applying his business talents to the University’s affairs. He was Chair of Council from 1987-1990 and the Council minutes pay tribute to his ‘intuitive understanding of and sympathy with academic aspirations and student needs’. To mark his tremendous contribution, the University awarded him an honorary degree in 1991 and named the Zochonis Building on Brunswick Street in his honour.

Sir John's business career began in 1953 when he joined his family’s firm Paterson Zochonis (later known as PZ Cussons). An astute businessman, he led the transformation of the company by acquiring high profile brands such as Imperial Leather soap and expanding its global markets. In 1970 Sir John was appointed Chairman, a position he held until his retirement in 1993.

Sir John then turned his attention to the work of his Charitable Trust, establishing his reputation as a generous and visionary supporter of many outstanding causes in Manchester and the North-West. He was passionate about the arts and a leading benefactor to many of Manchester’s leading institutions including Chetham’s School of Music, The Lowry and Manchester Art Gallery, and within this University supported Whitworth Art Gallery, John Rylands Library Deansgate and Manchester Museum. His support for the city of Manchester was underlined in 1996 when he was one of first donors to the Lord Mayor’s Emergency Appeal after the IRA bomb attack destroyed the city centre. He also served as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester from 1994-95, and in 1997 was knighted for services to the community.

Over his lifetime, Sir John was always passionate about supporting local young people. At the University, he instigated the Zochonis Special Enterprise Fund which provides travel awards for students to undertake projects or special study. His most recent gifts were for Zochonis Scholarships which support local young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to study for a degree. 

For all his many achievements, Sir John was a very private and unassuming man. His warm, genial charm and wit made a great impression on all who met him. He will be remembered as one of the North-West’s greatest philanthropists and the impact of his generosity lives on through the many outstanding causes he supported. He will be sorely missed.