Lisa Bridge

Warren Buffett announces changes at

Berkshire Hathaway’s Ben Bridge Jeweler

 

Ben Bridge Jeweler appoints first female President to continue evolving its business to connect with the new generation of fine jewelry consumers

 

SEATTLE, WA (November 6, 2017) – Ben Bridge Jeweler, the distinguished 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 current President and Co-CEO, Edward (Ed) Bridge will become Chairman and CEO. As of November 1, 2017, Lisa Bridge C.G., the company’s Vice President of Education and the creator of the Lisa Bridge Collection, has been appointed as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

 

Lisa 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”.

 

“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,” says 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. Lisa 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. TheLisa Bridge Collection has been embraced by both customers and the industry alike and has become one of the fastest growing lines for Ben Bridge.

 

Lisa also spent the last seven years as Vice President of Education, overseeing the education and professional development of the company’s 1200 associates. She carries on her family’s over 100 year devotion to providing high quality jewelry and outstanding personal service. As President, Lisa will oversee merchandising, operations, marketing, sales, and human resources as she continues to evolve the business.

 

 

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About Ben Bridge Jeweler

For over a hundred years, Ben Bridge Jeweler has had a singular mission: to help customers celebrate their special moments. With a commitment to quality jewelry, the highest values, and exceptional personal service, we have brought a lasting sparkle to those days you want to remember forever–from engagements to anniversaries, births to birthdays, promotions to “just because” moments of self-celebration, and more.  It is our honor and our privilege to be a part of your moments and your milestones inover 90 retail stores in 11 states including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, as well as British Columbia. We also serve customers online across the country through BenBridge.com. #ForLifeBenBridge

 

History of Ben Bridge Jeweler

In 1912, Samuel Silverman, a fine guild watchmaker, opened his first store in downtown Seattle. Ten years later, his daughter Sally married a man named Ben Bridge, who joined his father-in-law’s company as a partner. In 1927, Ben Bridge purchased his father-in-law’s interest in the store and renamed it Ben Bridge Jeweler, which he personally managed for 25 years before turning thebusiness over to his sons Herb and Bob Bridge. The company began to grow under Herb and Bob’s direction. In 1990, daily management of Ben Bridge Jeweler officially passed to the fourth generation of Bridges, Ed and Jon Bridge, continuing a legacy of service, excellence and value that continues to thisday. Ben Bridge Jeweler, Inc. was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2000, a merger that further secured the long-range planning for the company.