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Merrick, NY—Centurion welcomes famed businessman George Blankenship, architect of both the Apple and Tesla retail stores. His experience also includes time as an executive of Gap Inc..

He was brought out of retirement by Steve Jobs at Apple to develop the company’s retail store business, and held three-hour planning meetings with Jobs each week for four years. Then Elon Musk of Tesla brought him out of retirement again to do the same for Tesla.

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.

“We are excited to hear George talk about two of today’s most well-known brands,” said Centurion president Howard Hauben.  “His insights will be of great interest to our audience and we are thrilled to have him at Centurion 2016.”

The 2016 Show continues Centurion’s Second Decade in Scottsdale, Arizona. Show dates are January 31st through February 2nd, 2016. For more information, please contact Howard Hauben at HH@CenturionJewelry.com or 516-331-5586. Visit Centurion online at www.centurionjewelry.com.