Ben Bridge Jeweler, the distinguished family-run fine jeweler with 95 retail stores in 11 states and one Canadian province, announced Chairman and CEO Ed Bridge will retire effective January 31, 2019. Current President and COO Lisa Bridge has accepted a promotion to President and CEO. Having served as the first female President of Ben Bridge Jeweler, Lisa Bridge will now continue her service as the fifth generation to run the company.[Pictured: Ed + Lisa Bridge]
Upon retirement, Ed Bridge will leave behind a 45-year legacy of honor, leadership and achievement including serving as chair of Jewelers of America and Jewelers For Children, board member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and the Jewelry Information Center, VP of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and chair of the Seattle Victims Fund, board member of both the University of Washington Hillel and Tyee Club. He has been the recipient of the AGS Lifetime Achievement Award and numerous honors including induction into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame. “It has been an honor and privilege working with our associates to create incredible moments and touch the lives of so many customers. I cherish the relationships I have with our team and the treasured friendships with our many industry partners. I feel thankful to have had the best mentors and bosses one could ask for in my father Bob Bridge, my uncle Herb Bridge and Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO Warren Buffett. I had the pleasure of working with my cousin Jon Bridge as my partner for 28 years before he retired last year. It brings me great joy to know the company will be in such capable hands,” says Ed Bridge. “Lisa will surely propel the business into its next phase and a bright future.”
Since taking the helm as President in 2017, Lisa has put her passion into transforming the in-store experience to achieve a stronger relevance for the new generation of fine jewelry consumers while preserving the welcoming environment loved by Ben Bridge loyalists. The innovative retail atmosphere highlights the company’s unique heritage, which will continue to roll out in 2019 to additional stores. Additionally, Ben Bridge Jeweler enhanced its “Made for You, For Life” campaign this year, building on the company’s core differentiators. Lisa and her team will also launch Bella Ponte for holiday 2018, an exclusive collection of fully customizable engagement and wedding rings.
“I am endlessly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Ed and the generations before me. They have been generous with their wisdom and perspective and will continue to be an inspiration. I am humbled to be stepping in to this role, and I am excited to build a bright future with our incredible team,” said Lisa. “My mission as CEO is to help our customers celebrate wonderfully meaningful and joyful moments in their lives through the power of jewelry.”
About Ben Bridge Jeweler
Ben Bridge Jeweler was founded in 1912 by Samuel Silverman, a fine guild watchmaker in downtown Seattle who later sold the business to son-in-law Ben Bridge. Ben Bridge managed the operations for 25 years before turning over the business to sons Herb and Bob. Today, the company is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway and is managed by the Bridge family including President/Co-CEO Ed Bridge and Co-CEO/General Counsel Jon Bridge. We have over 90 retail stores including 30 PANDORA concept stores across 11 states as well as in Canada. With over 100 years of experience, Ben Bridge has a unique history and heritage that no other jeweler can claim. For more information, please visit www.benbridge.com.
