Ben Bridge CEO departs to fuel sale speculation

Lisa Bridge, CEO and President of Ben Bridge Jewelers, has announced her departure from the company.

Writing on her LinkedIn profile yesterday, Bridge spoke of her pride in what she and the business has achieved since being appointed CEO in 2019.

That appointment was by Warren Buffett, as the Bridge family sold the business to investment giant Berkshire Hathaway in 2000, having traded as a family business since 1912.

The sudden nature of Bridge’s announcement, and specifically her reference to the company now taking “a different direction” will fuel speculation that Berkshire Hathaway may be open to offers for the asset, with players like Watches of Switzerland Group and Bucherer sure to take notice.

Bridge’s LinkedIn announcement in full

For five generations our family has built and created, invested and dreamed, and has been part of the lives of our associates and customers. It is a wonderful and fulfilling business, and now is the time for me to step away.

Growing up, the family business was omnipresent. It was both what we did and part of who we were. I sold my first diamond when I was 16 years old and connected to the emotion of what we are about.

Though we sold the business to Berkshire Hathaway 25 years ago, it has continued to feel like our business. When I joined the company full time, I found out quickly what a privilege it is to work with family, those by blood and those by choice. In 2019, I was appointed CEO by Warren Buffett, and leading Ben Bridge has been the most extraordinary of opportunities.

I had my first child as the world shut down amidst the pandemic, closing our stores and managing from my hospital bed. We weathered each new curveball, and came out as a stronger, more nimble business on the other side.

We consolidated our footprint by selling our Pandora division and retooling our stores to stronger positioning, upleveling our experience through our store design, messaging, and service.

Most importantly, through it all we have stayed true to our values. I believe that is why we have been around for 113 years. We have known deeply who we are but have continued to evolve to meet our customers’ expectations.

I couldn’t be prouder of the Ben Bridge team. Many have been with us for decades. This is ultimately a people business, and our associates are the greatest.

There is now a different direction for the company, and it is time for me to step away. I am not yet sure what the next chapter of my career will be, but our people and Ben Bridge will always be part of me.

With gratitude, Lisa