(IDEX Online) - Ben Bridge Jeweler, the family-run fine jeweler with 95 retail stores in 11 states and one Canadian province, announced that Chairman and CEO Ed Bridge is retiring as of January 31, with company President and COO Lisa Bridge becoming 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.
"Ed Bridge has 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," the firm said in a statement. "He has been the recipient of the AGS Lifetime Achievement Award and numerous honors including being inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame.
He said: "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. Lisa will surely propel the business into its next phase and a bright future."