Chick-fil-A Marketing Chief Jon Bridges Retires After 30 Years, Successor Named
ATLANTA — Chick-fil-A announced a major leadership change in its marketing department this week. Jon Bridges, the company's chief marketing officer and a three-decade veteran, is retiring effective March 31. His departure marks the end of an era for the fast-food chain, which is currently rolling out its largest-ever marketing campaign to celebrate 80 years in business.
Bridges, who was appointed CMO in 2015 after previously serving as chief information officer and vice president of customer experience, has been a key architect of the brand's family-friendly image and "Eat Mor Chikin" cow campaign legacy. The Atlanta Business Chronicle first reported the news, which was later confirmed by the company.
Stepping into the role is Michael Lage, a 14-year Chick-fil-A insider. Lage's career path reflects the brand's evolving focus on digital integration and operational excellence. He most recently served as vice president of field operations and has held leadership positions in customer relationship strategies, digital experience, and go-to-market strategy. Notably, Lage briefly left Chick-fil-A for a stint as a marketing strategist at Facebook before returning, bringing external tech perspective back to the company.
The transition comes at a pivotal moment. Chick-fil-A is deep into an 80th-anniversary push dubbed "newstalgia," blending retro aesthetics with new menu items and promotions. Analysts suggest the leadership handoff is strategically timed to ensure campaign continuity while injecting fresh digital expertise into the marketing top seat. Bridges will work alongside Lage for a three-month period to ensure a smooth transfer of responsibilities.
The move underscores a broader trend of restaurant chains prioritizing leaders with hybrid experience in both traditional brand management and digital/operational fields, as the industry grapples with changing consumer habits and the rise of mobile ordering.
What People Are Saying
"Jon's legacy is woven into the fabric of Chick-fil-A's identity. His departure is a significant moment, but Michael's deep operational knowledge and digital background make him a fascinating choice to lead marketing in this era."
— David Chen, Restaurant Industry Analyst
"Lage's internal journey from marketing coordinator to operations VP and now to CMO is a testament to Chick-fil-A's culture of growing talent from within. It signals stability and a deep understanding of the brand's core values."
— Priya Sharma, Brand Strategy Consultant
"This feels like a safe, insider pick. In a year they're pushing 'newstalgia,' they promote from within? Where's the bold vision? The marketing landscape is on fire, and this looks like rearranging deck chairs. They need someone who can truly challenge the playbook, not just execute it."
— Marcus Thorne, Critic, 'The Brand Disruptor' Newsletter