Up Close
with Brian Duperreault
Chairman - ACE Limited
Chairman - Centre for Philanthropy

Tricray, Caitlin and myself (Serena) had the opportunity to interview Mr. Brian Duperreault last week. He is probably one of the most powerful men in Bermuda. It was truly a wonderful experience, I advise anyone of our readers to take the time to meet with business people like Mr. Duperreault. They are a wealth of knowledge and true global leaders. Please find below some of the questions we asked him. We plan to publish the complete interview on our web page due to be launched in our “Back to School Campaign”.

What is your favorite type of music?
Blues is my favorite.

How do you relax?
I play golf otherwise I read and love the water.

As a Bermudian, what is the biggest change you have noticed in the country since you were a youth?
I will have to answer this a little different to most. I left when I was 5 months old and returned to Bermuda 10 years ago. I think it is the development. The City of Hamilton there are so many more businesses. The city scape has changed.

The theme we are currently working on is where and what do we wish to be when we are 29 (inspired by 2009). What were you doing when you were 29? Where were you living? Did you own your own house?
At 29 I had just got my own house, I was living in New Jersey and was commuting to New York (1hr 40 mins). I was working for AIG in New York City.

What is your favorite sport?
I enjoy golf and to get out on the water.

What is your favorite gadget? (cellular phone / palm / lap-top) and why?
I don’t like gadgets. I am really old school I think it is an incredible imposition on you and everybody else but you have to have them. I find it has changed my life, there is no peace or quiet. You can’t always be in touch you have to take time for yourself. I find you are always discharging rather than recharging. I like satellite TV but I’m not a gadget guy I never was.

What is your favorite film of all time?
I really like action movies, its hard to think of one of my favorite but I love the action ones.

Which school did you go to? Which was your favorite subject?
My favorite subject was math I was really good at it. I went to catholic schools.

Who is your idol?
A man I never met, George C Marshall from the Second World War. His role was to look after all the great generals of World War Two. He was quietly behind the scenes assisting these great generals.

Are you a pilot? Do you own an airplane or a helicopter?
No I have never ever wished to be a pilot, I enjoy flying but never wished to be a pilot.

Do you own a boat? If so, what kind?
Yes, I actually have two boats, we have a nice sailing boat and motor boat.

What is your favorite car and do you own one?
I own a car but you know Bermuda isn’t particularly a place for cars so the only car I ever wanted to own was a Porsche.

What is your favorite book?
Other than the bible. I’m not sure if I have a favorite book, I never go back and reread a book.

What is the most important thing in business you have learnt?
“You can’t do it all yourself, you need the help of others. Everything is better together.”