Ben Bridge Jeweler Appoints Lisa Bridge As First Female President
November 06, 17
(IDEX Online) – Ben Bridge Jeweler, the US family-run fine jeweler with over 90 retail stores in 11 states and one province, announced today that Co-CEO and General Counsel Jonathan (Jon) Bridge is retiring, and Lisa Bridge, the company’s Vice President of Education, has been appointed as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer as of November 1. Current President and Co-CEO, Edward (Ed) Bridge will become Chairman and CEO.
Lisa Bridge, the creator of the Lisa Bridge Collection, will be 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,” says Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett. “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 greatly expand opportunities for our company.”
Lisa Bridge, a fifth generation jeweler, is a Certified Gemologist and jewelry designer. She attended the GIA. 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.
Lisa has spent the last seven years as Vice President of Education, overseeing the education and professional development of the company’s 1,200 associates. As President, Lisa will oversee merchandising, operations, marketing, sales, and human resources as she continues to evolve the business.