William J. Cox (Will) is the President and CEO of the Pearman Watlington Group of Companies, which include Miles Market, PWs Marine and Waterfront Properties Limited. He also serves on the board of Brookfield Infrastructure. He joined the Company in 1991 completing an extensive restructure of the businesses and formulated the redevelopment of The Waterfront. Will is actively involved with the community and has an active interest in the educational world and BUEI. He was educated at Saltus until 1978, then joined Westminster School and completed his college degree from The University of Lynchburg in Virginia. Will has a great spirit for adventure, nurtured by his Dad who introduced him to the underwater world and was featured in National Geographic World magazine. Will continues to travel extensively seeking adventures and culinary discoveries. Hobbies include cooking, wine, diving and construction. Will is married to Linda and has two sons, Jonathan and Stephen.
1. What is your favourite Bermudian tradition?
The family around the Christmas table sharing wonderful food and company.
2. Where is the best place for a fish sandwich?
Harry’s of course, light char on the bun and medium rare Tuna.
3. Where is the best place for sushi?
Sitting with take out Sushi from Miles on a boat watching the sunset with my wife.
4. What’s the most Instagram-worthy place in Bermuda?
Every step you take across Bermuda from the smile of her people to the majestic beauty of our oceans.
5. What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
When I returned from University, I had a list of success factors on the wall. My grandfather used his fountain pen and wrote at the bottom – Success is NEVER being arrogant.
6. What do you like most about yourself?
A deep caring and commitment to my friends, family, and work.
7. What do you like least about yourself?
I get frustrated in the limited impact I am able to make on the world.
8. What keeps you up at night?
Ensuring that we are great employers and citizens in Bermuda, which includes developing and retaining jobs.
9. What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome?
Overcoming insolvency and foreclosure during very difficult economic times.
10. How long have you been in Bermuda?
We have deep-seated roots on Bermuda back to the 1600’s. This creates a deep commitment to where we live and how it develops.
11. What was your first job ever?
I was 12 (I think) and worked at Heritage House unpacking China from wooden crates for Jay Bluck… didn’t last a long time when the allergies took over! After that I spent most of my time on the same block at The Waterfront!
12.Who was your favourite teacher as a child?
Stephen Masters at Saltus who arrived as an art teacher and had as all doing extemporaneous speeches.
13. Who was/is the most influential person in your life?
My Mum who taught me humility and caring, and my Dad who had a zest for adventure and people.
14. What’s in your wallet right now?
Moths!
15. Do you ever get island fever?
Often! We have to travel to understand a broader perspective than our Island home.
16. What’s your favourite thing in your office?
Apart from a wonderful team of people, a Boer War watercolor which was done by a prisoner who was kept on Hawkins Island – with 1800 others.
17. What’s your favourite thing at home?
A day in the kitchen with friends creating a meal on a rainy day with some of the world’s fun epicurean delights! Then sharing the evening with great friends, food and wine.
18. Loquat or Bermuda banana?
Nothing better than a Bermuda Banana – Fresh or fried with Bacon for breakfast.
19. St George’s or Somerset?
St George’s definitely!
20. Cricket or football?
Football and Arsenal!
21. What are you reading right now?
Dr. Stephen Gundry – The Plant Paradox.
22. What is your guilty pleasure?
A wonderful French Burgundy with a well-tempered Epoisses cheese.
23. What is your biggest phobia?
I inherited a phobia of frogs after watching my Uncle Michael chase a friend up the road who had thrown a frog at him!
