Apple Retail Veteran Hired at Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors, the company whose goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers, has announced the hiring of former Apple and Gap executive George Blankenship as Vice President of Design and Store Development. Bringing thirty years of international retail and real estate experience to Tesla, Blankenship will build the company’s retail strategy and network.

Tesla is attempting to revolutionize the automotive industry with highway-capable electric vehicles (EVs), but requires a long-term retail development plan to give customers the opportunity to purchase the cars, which Blankenship is tasked with building. The company currently operates 11 retail stores worldwide, with another 50 planned over the next few years, to support the launch of its new Model S sedan. Blankenship’s initial projects will include opening Tesla stores in Tokyo, Japan, Toronto, Canada, and Washington, DC.

Best known as the architect of Apple’s brand building retail strategy, Blankenship defined and executed an International “Smart Growth Hit List” across major cities in Asia, Europe and North America. However, he joins Tesla most recently from Microsoft, where he lasted only a year attempting to teach some retail sense into the Windows makers.

Tesla confirms that Apple has repeatedly been recognized by Fortune Magazine as America’s Best Retailer. Blankenship is directly responsible for this feat, thanks to his work as the company’s Vice President of Real Estate. He is credited with creating one of the most successful retail growth strategies in history. He was also Vice President for Real Estate Strategy for Gap, Inc., where he managed the growth of over 250 stores per year worldwide while establishing an energy-efficient, environmentally forward-thinking retail growth process, Tesla informs, summing up Blankenship’s accomplishments.

“George has a record of building customer-focused stores that revolutionize their industries, and he does it on time and on budget,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. “Tesla will have the best retail experience in the auto industry as we continue to grow and prepare to launch the Model S.”

”Joining Tesla allows me to work with some of the boldest and brightest people on the planet while changing the world for the better,” said Blankenship. “I’m excited to create a retail experience that is as thrilling as my first drive of the Tesla Roadster.”