Peter S Willmott

Willmott graduated from Williams College (1959) and Harvard Business School (1961). He would continue to have an unrivaled passion for Williams College and dedicated more than 60 years of service to the college. He served on the board of trustees from 1983-98, with 10 years as chair of the executive committee. began his professional career in New York City at American Airlines and Booz, Allen & Hamilton. In 1966 he became vice president and treasurer of I.T.T. Continental Baking Company. Willmott joined Federal Express in Memphis, Tenn., as chief financial officer in 1974. He later served as president and COO of FedEx from 1980-83 and continued on as a member of the board of directors until 2009. While in Memphis, he served on the boards of First Horizon Bank and Morgan Keegan. In 1983, Willmott joined Carson Pirie Scott & Co. in Chicago as chairman, president, and CEO. He subsequently served as president and CEO of Fleming Companies and Zenith Electronics. He also served on the boards of Browning Ferris Industries, International Multifoods, Maytag Corporation, Nicolet Instrument, Mac Frugal's Bargains Close-outs, Interstate Hotels, and Lebhar-Friedman. He was deeply engaged in civic service in Chicago, serving as board chair at Children's Memorial Hospital, and as a member of the boards of the Associated Colleges of Illinois, Chicago United, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Newberry Library, and Francis W. Parker School. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Willmott Services, Inc., a retail and consulting firm, since June 1989; Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Fleming Companies, Inc., a wholesale distributor of consumable goods, from March 2003 to August 2003; Chief Executive Officer and President of Zenith Electronics Corporation, an electronics manufacturing company, from July 1996 to January 1998; various senior management positions at FedEx Express from 1974 to 1983, including President and Chief Operating Officer. He had a passion for thoroughbred horse racing and established Willmott Stables in 1990. He owned and bred numerous accomplished horses. He served as the Chair of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and as a Steward of the Jockey Club. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Michele, and their children Audrey Prieboy, Matthew Willmott, and Christopher Willmott (Rachel). Peter is also survived by his children from his first marriage: Cindy Belisle (Craig), Sarah Cowens (Tom), John Sherman Willmott, David Willmott (Catherine), and eight grandchildren.. Willmott is also survived by his siblings, brother Clark Willmott (Sheila) and sister Lesley Charlebois (Claude), along with cousins, nieces, and nephews.