A new president has been named.
(Press Release) SEATTLE, WA – Ben Bridge Jeweler, which has over 90 retail stores in 11 states and one province, announced that co-CEO and General Counsel Jonathan (Jon) Bridge is retiring, and current President and co-CEO Edward (Ed) Bridge will become chairman and CEO.
As of Nov. 1, Lisa Bridge, the company’s vice president of education and creator of the Lisa Bridge Collection, has been appointed as the company’s president and chief operating officer.
Bridge is the company’s first female president and its youngest top executive in over 60 years. “I love the relationships that are built over a beautiful piece of fine jewelry and I am eager to provide amazing experiences for each of our customers,” she said.
“Ben Bridge has been a part of Berkshire Hathaway for 17 years and Lisa represents a wonderful balance of continuity and evolution,” said Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. “With the challenges facing retailing, I am excited to have someone passionate for the jewelry business, with creative ideas, and an understanding of today’s consumer at the helm. Lisa has retailing in her blood and I am excited for the future with Lisa as President.”
“I am pleased and excited about passing the torch of leadership to the next generation of our family,” said Jon Bridge. “Lisa has been a critical part of Ben Bridge for years and will continue the tradition of service to our customers and communities that we have built over the last century while evolving the business to grow in the digital age. Her knowledge of the business and insight as a member of the next generation will greatlyexpand opportunities for our company.”
Lisa Bridge, a fifth-generation jeweler, is a certified gemologist and jewelry designer. She grew up in the family business, cleaning the store counters as soon as she could reach them. She graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis and attended the Gemological Institute of America. She spent time in Ben Bridge’s buying department, developing both her passion for gemstones and understanding of the source and design process. She launched her own namesake collection in 2015, a compilation of bold and fashionable jewelry inspired by the natural beauty she has encountered in her many travels. The Lisa Bridge Collection has been embraced by both customers and the industry alike and has become one of the fastest-growing lines for Ben Bridge.
Bridge also spent the last seven years as vice president of education, overseeing the education and professional development of the company’s 1,200 associates. She carries on her family’s over 100-year devotion to providing high quality jewelry and outstanding personal service. As president, Bridge will oversee merchandising, operations, marketing, sales and human resources as she continues to evolve the business.