Sessions
The Future of Innovation
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Fri
Former executive at Tesla Motors, Apple Computer and GAP Inc., George Blankenship brings 30 years of international strategy, retail and real estate experience to his audiences. In his executive capacities at Tesla Motors, Blankenship successively served as vice president of design and store development, vice president of worldwide sales and ownership experience, and vice president of worldwide retail. In these roles, he redefined the car-buying experience, and in turn revolutionized the auto industry. Tesla’s Model S was named the Motor Trend “Car of the Year” in 2013, only a year after its introduction. It was the first electric car to ever receive this recognition.
Prior to his achievements at Tesla, Blankenship served as the senior executive of real estate at Apple. Recognized as the architect of Apple’s brand-building retail methodology, he formulated and executed one of the most successful retail growth strategies in history. His international “Smart Growth Hit List” encompassed major cities throughout Asia, Europe and North America. Apple also saw a material, sustained increase in sales, profit and consumer loyalty following Blankenship’s focus on reformulation of the consumer experience, the building of brand awareness, and ongoing accessibility to customers.
Blankenship has also functioned as a real estate consultant for Microsoft and served as a senior executive for real estate strategy at GAP Inc. At GAP, Blankenship managed the growth of over 250 stores per year while establishing an energy-efficient, environmentally forward-thinking retail growth practice. His uniquely innovative processes have transformed secure, status quo organizations into forward-thinking and dynamic players of the future. Blankenship has also meaningfully redefined the purpose and importance of a superior customer experience in contemporary markets, honed and refined corporate values, and deeply strengthened customer loyalty. As an expert of the industry, he offers audiences unmatched insight on the building and creating of brand loyalty and awareness, competitive positioning in the market, and what it takes to deliver superior customer care.