Wymond Cory Symes

Wymond Cory Symes (19 July 1867 – 1 July 1961) was a businessman, sportsman and member of the Bombay Legislative Council. He served as a Trustee of the Port of Bombay, Deputy Chairman of the Bombay Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Bombay Legislative Council and a Justice of the Peace in Bombay before his appointment as Managing Director of P&O's London office until his retirement in 1927. After school he played rugby for Kent and Blackheath. He returned to Bombay in 1902 and later took over the agency. The importance of his role was recognised by his subsequent appointments as Trustee of the Port of Bombay, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Bombay Legislative Council and a Justice of the Peace.

Symes's enjoyment of riding continued and he was made Steward of the West Indian Turf Club. In 1911 he was requested to join P&O's executive in London and returned to England. Symes was made Chairman of the Straits of China Shipping Conference and was Managing Director of P&O's London office until his retirement in 1927.

Symes married Evelyn Wise, youngest daughter of Lt-Col. Dacres Wise, of Loddiswell, Devon. Symes died on 1 July 1961 at his home near Taunton. His wife, a daughter and two sons survived him.