Oct 15, 2013
ModelS8794 Where is George B?
Hi all,
back in April Jerome Guillen was made VP of worldwide sales and service. Unless I am mistaken, this was George's role before April. I haven't heard about George's whereabouts since then. I am curious if he has a new role in the company or what the story is. I felt his expertise developing the retail store network was a key differentiator for Tesla at an important time, but now wonder if his job has changed and if so what he's up to. Or of perhaps his role has narrowed down to focus on store rollouts only rather than a Group Head role that his title seemed to convey previously.�
Oct 15, 2013
bhuwan Can't say for sure but he's around - I have emailed him over the last few months and he always responds.�
Oct 15, 2013
Larry Chanin I'd say that is out of town brushing up on his Chinese. :wink:
Larry�
Oct 15, 2013
Blurry_Eyed I believe in April, George's title changed to Vice President of Worldwide Retail. I heard somewhere on the TMC forum that George has been very active in China, and may be quite busy getting things set up over there.�
Oct 15, 2013
brianman Executive Bios | Tesla Motors
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Oct 15, 2013
tlo That was before April.
George Blankenship: Executive Profile & Biography - Businessweek
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Oct 15, 2013
Discoducky All things China is my guess as well. And rightly so. Gonna be sum kinda wonderful.�
Oct 15, 2013
brianman Perhaps they should update the website since it's been 6 months since then.
�
Oct 16, 2013
Hache He is here!
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Oct 17, 2013
tdelta1000 My guess he's working on Model S-E-X-Y. LOL�
Oct 21, 2013
DaveT I asked Jerome during Teslive about George B's new role. He said that George would be focusing on retail stores, while Jerome would be in charge of sales and service.�
Nov 21, 2013
timf Tesla has not made an official announcement, but the San Jose Mercury News is reporting he left the company a few weeks ago.
Exclusive: Top Tesla executive George Blankenship, VP of Sales, departs | SiliconBeat�
Nov 21, 2013
AmpedRealtor In case anyone missed the news about half an hour ago (and the respective stock dip at the same time):
Exclusive: Top Tesla executive George Blankenship, VP of Sales, departs | SiliconBeat...
"George Blankenship, the Tesla executive and marketing maven who led the company�s retail operations and showroom expansions, is no longer with the Palo Alto-based company, according to a source with first-hand knowledge of his departure. When reached for comment, Blankenship, 60, said by e-mail that he was retiring to spend more time with his family, including four grandchildren.
"Blankenship is still listed as Vice President, Sales & Ownership Experience on Tesla�s website. But his LinkedIn profile now says he is �Director of Smiles for the Blankenship Family� and he apparently left Tesla a few weeks ago..."�
Nov 21, 2013
RobotGrease I'm a bit confused by this from his Linkedin profile:
Vice President
Tesla Motors
July 2010 � October 2013 (3 years 4 months)WorldwideJuly 2010 thru September 2010 -- VP Store Design & Development
October 2010 thru March 2013 -- VP Worldwide Sales & Ownership Experience
April 2013 thru October 2013 -- VP Worldwide Retail
November 2013 -- Done at Tesla
"Done at Tesla"??? is it just mean or does that have negative undertones? Seems a bit strange...�
Nov 21, 2013
bhuwan damn thatsa shame�
Nov 21, 2013
AmpedRealtor He is just saying that from November on, he is done at Tesla. His work is done. He can now retire. The dashes "--" after November 2013 simply show that he has no plans to seek further employment since he has retired. I wouldn't read anything more into his words. He has been instrumental at Tesla and has done a lot to make this brand successful. I think recent events have made us a little jumpy and possibly on high alert for all things negative. I see his words as positive.�
Nov 21, 2013
Lloyd Awwww George, Say it isn't so!! Well miss you! Best Wishes!!
Lloyd�
Nov 21, 2013
Lump Hank Greenberg just read the news on CNBC.�
Nov 21, 2013
mark George Blankenship retires
Reports today that he retired a couple of weeks ago. Bummer. I miss his blog posts.�
Nov 21, 2013
AmpedRealtor It's likely that the lighted vanity mirrors have also retired along with George... sorry, couldn't resist!
:tongue:�
Nov 21, 2013
Joel Perhaps he will still post here in TMC. He did login as recently as this morning.�
Nov 21, 2013
araxara They'll be making him moonlight on the production floor assembling lighted vanity mirrors.�
Nov 21, 2013
gg_got_a_tesla Hoping for that.
GeorgeB, thank you for your excellent work at Tesla and for being one of the most approachable executives ever! Your patience and openness during the Model S ramp up period about a year ago are much appreciated. Many of us will always think of you whenever we enter a Tesla showroom. Hope you've recovered from the "topless" episode during Teslive�
Nov 21, 2013
kenliles Blankenship leaving Tesla
Post on another thread, but now confirmed probably merits it's own
Exclusive: Top Tesla executive George Blankenship, VP of Sales, departs | SiliconBeat�
Nov 21, 2013
TSLAopt Not to sound cold but maybe this is for the best. What value has he added in the last 6-12 months? Elon is a businessman and we know he does not string along expensive executives who are no longer a good fit with the firm.�
Nov 21, 2013
Jhall118 I was wondering the other day why we haven't heard anything from him in a while.�
Nov 21, 2013
mitch672 Are people no longer allowed to retire? He's 60 and it looks like he wants to spend time with his family.
He probably has wanted to retire for a while (as in when he left Apple). I myself plan on retiring early, why not, if you have the means to do so?�
Nov 21, 2013
NigelM There's already a thread on this: George-Blankenship-Retires-from-Tesla-Motors�
Nov 21, 2013
Dutchie George was always a high spirited and enthusiastic vocal of Tesla. That will surely be missed. However, he was in charge of rolling out the stores and has put the train on the track in that regard. He has done his job well and deserves a nice retirement. I do hope that his role is not completely gone and he will remain to keep active roll in the Tesla community. I would love for him to respond on this site. So George, anything you would like to share?�
Nov 21, 2013
wormhole This is plain silly. The man basically built the sales process from the ground up...let's give credit where credit is due.�
Nov 21, 2013
The Froq I wish him lots of luck and smiles.�
Nov 21, 2013
JakeP Cheers and best wishes to George B. Always a stand-up character, with energy and enthusiasm to match a spectacular product.�
Nov 21, 2013
ModelS8794 That is a real shame. I think GeorgeB was of huge value to Tesla and instrumental in developing Tesla's culture through his retail store strategy. All my interactions with tesla people have been positive, and that's directly attributable to George's hiring practices and his insistence on focusing on making the customer happy.
bummed.�
Nov 21, 2013
Johan Sad to see him leave, he did a great job With the Whole sales experience. Was great to meet him in Oslo! Would love to hear from you on the forum George, now that you can speak more freely
I know you are watching
�
Nov 21, 2013
EdA Best wishes GeorgeB!!!!!
For the record he always responded thoughtfully to my emails and managed to "rush" my car here when it was "lost" in NJ at the close of last year.�
Nov 21, 2013
RainmakerJL Nice cash out on options.. He's 60. Likely just retired... Wouldn't you? Stock is up 100$ Since he started...�
Nov 21, 2013
mkjayakumar People who quit before finishing their mission.. hmm not sure I approve of that.
I wish he had stayed for two more years until the European and Chinese market ramped up and we get to see a prototype of Gen 3.�
Nov 21, 2013
Zextraterrestrial
I think he accomplished his mission and should be confident that 'we' will continue to follow his 'plan'. The store front and sales methodologies are all in place and now it is just up to us as sales techs to spread the free advertizement and Tesla being able to produce enough cars for the world.
will miss the enthusiasm and excitement you exude!~
Enjoy retirement & have a blast!�
Nov 21, 2013
Jgdixon Please delete duplicate post sorry�
Nov 21, 2013
JRP3 Bummer. George was a great advocate for Tesla.�
Nov 21, 2013
NuclearPowered This has been posted at least 2 other times.�
Nov 21, 2013
yobigd20 He probably got tired of all you pestering him about lighted vanity mirrors and sunshades. ;P j/k�
Nov 21, 2013
napabill Ever since George looked after my wife and me at the first "Get Amped!" event at Fremont after being rear-ended by another MS, I've held a soft spot for him. Though he didn't agree to let me drive away the slightly damaged car, gratis. Oh well.
I suspect the demands of setting up the foreign markets contributed to the retirement decision. No fun spending half your life in an airplane only to arrive somewhere that has food with unknown ingredients in it. Don't blame him for a minute.
Enjoy! I retired early after my partner died suddenly and haven't regretted a day of it. Especially those with Tess!
...Bill�
Nov 21, 2013
Owner I completely agree. Working and 'more and more success' are too overrated in the US. Having retired much earlier than George! :biggrin:
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Nov 21, 2013
Wenche I feel that George Blankenship has laid down a lot of effort, and has been a great contributor to Tesla's success. I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet George at the event in Norway this year, and was impressed about his ability to respond at the moment.
To George: Thank you! I really hope you enjoy your retirement :smile:�
Nov 21, 2013
stevezzzz Best wishes, GeorgeB! Enjoy your retirement...�
Nov 21, 2013
anticitizen13.7 I think GeorgeB created fantastic stores for Tesla, and I'm very grateful for all that he has done for the company. When I visited a Tesla store, the place was like a tourist attraction and all kinds of people were posing for photos with Model S.
Thanks George, and enjoy your retirement!�
Nov 21, 2013
Jackl1956 George Blankenship................A class act. Here's wishing the very finest to George and his family.�
Nov 21, 2013
JPP Met him at the factory party at Teslive--really great guy, willing to just stand there and chat. I give him credit for retiring now and getting to spend time with his family.
All the best...�
Nov 21, 2013
ChadS Yes, George will definitely be missed.
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Nov 21, 2013
teslasguy I would respectfully suggest that those who have downplayed George's contributions or stated that he probably needed to go really don't have a good handle on his dedication and contributions to Tesla. His passion and contributions for us as owners were also huge. I've met him twice and interacted with him on a few other occasions and always had huge respect for him. I've also had some interactions with Jerome and I honestly don't get the same feeling of commitment to us as owners. I'm getting pretty troubled by what feels like a shifting culture at Tesla that is away from owner passion and commitment that has had many of us early adopters so passionately defending the company at very turn. I attend lots of car shows and have spent a lot of time and money on educational props to show people what a great car we have. All I ask for in return is for Elon to support us back by being straightforward, honest and to honor commitments that have been made to us over time. We have a long memory. I sadly today began selling off some of my stock that I swore I would hold for a very long time.�
Nov 21, 2013
zeron Didn't he do the same at Apple when he joined Tesla after creating their store strategy from the ground?
Either he is really retiring or he just prefers building a business over maintaining it.�
Nov 21, 2013
teslasguy Or it wasn't really a voluntary "retirement". In any event he will be very missed by many of us that have been around for quite a while. His contributions were WAY beyond the stores.�
Nov 21, 2013
Grendal George was a great contributor to Tesla and has helped make it what it is in his own way. Goodbye, George, and happy retirement.�
Nov 21, 2013
Larry Chanin Elon is a brilliant engineer and entrepreneur and he knows how to assemble a winning executive team. He knew that George would contribute significantly to the success of Tesla as George did in his previous assignments with other successful companies. George is a genius in what he does and he continues to possess both the technical and the personality talents that are essential to the continued success of Tesla. I'm sure Elon knows that and would never have been so short-sighted as to deliberately push George out.
However, in one area I agree with you. This is all for the best...for George, not Tesla.
Larry�
Nov 21, 2013
loganss GeorgeB was pretty awesome. I'm grateful for all the work he's put into Tesla and hope he enjoys retirement with his family. He's definitely earned it.�
Nov 21, 2013
v12 to 12v I tip my hat to George. We kept him up until the wee hours and took him away from his friends and family over weekends and holidays, I am certain about that. He held our hands and comforted us in a virtual way while we were waiting for the unknown. What he accomplished and pulled together in such a short period of time makes my mind reel.
My car was delivered a year ago today. It was the day before Thanksgiving weekend. The Tesla team was finding their feet and falling over themselves to get systems in place, cars in hands and Tesla grins on faces. George, I apologize for whining, but I wanted my car so badly! Now I know it was worth the wait and all would be made right. Thank you for that.�
Nov 21, 2013
Bradleybang THANKS GEORGE!
Anyone that met, listened and watched George over the years could hear and feel his passion for Tesla.
My best wishes for his future.�
Nov 21, 2013
sp4rk I would hardly call Tesla in maintenance mode!�
Nov 21, 2013
efusco Thank you, George, for your contribution to Tesla and this forum.�
Nov 21, 2013
mjtgroup George:
I still remember the day you called me at home to discuss my delivery concerns. You were straightforward and honest and I really appreciated you taking your time to explain the issues. You represent what is right about Tesla and your talents and expertise are a major part of the unique Tesla "experience".
My sincere thanks for all you have done and best regards!�
Nov 21, 2013
SCW-Greg George, it was an absolute pleasure to meet with you and share stories at the private opening for the Washington Square mall location. Loved hearing how you met Elon, got the job, and found out what POTUS meant.
Love your work, contributions, integrity, and mostly your endless positive passion!
Congrats, and thank you!
Yours,
Greg�
Nov 21, 2013
dmetcalf Thanks George and happy retirement. I appreciate the hands on approach and attention during the early successful launch of the Model S. What a high note to retire on. Enjoy!�
Nov 22, 2013
Plug Me In My mission is to retire by age 60. Congratulations to George, thanks for the excellent work and best wishes!�
Nov 22, 2013
Owner 'maintenance mode' yes is a bit extreme, but here in Silicon Valley there is a huge difference between the stages of a company before and during the launch of the first large scale successful product and after. A lot of us entrepreneur types fit in a lot better during the former. Sometimes when companies get really big, all roles get a little more pigeonholed and it well isn't as fun.
�
Nov 22, 2013
mpt We should all take notes on how he did his thing.
I posted a piece this morning over at Transport Evolved Guest Post: Happy Retirement, George Blankenship
Thanks George.�
Nov 22, 2013
ModelX An amazing man on many levels! Wishing him the best!�
Nov 22, 2013
brianman A close-up from my Teslive shirt:
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Nov 22, 2013
JohnTorqueNews George is out, but Tesla has not yet made an announcement. Read the story at San Jose Mercury or Torque news�
Nov 22, 2013
mknox Had the opportunity to meet and speak with George at the Toronto Store pre-opening event and again at TESLIVE. On both occasions I was left with a very positive impression of both the man and the company. I wish George nothing but the absolute best in his retirement.�
Nov 22, 2013
Doug_G I've met George four times now, and every time I was impressed by his enthusiasm, knowledge, and intelligence. I hope he has a chance to enjoy retirement, and resist the temptation to get pulled into yet another grand business adventure!�
Nov 22, 2013
ToddRLockwood George's Ed Sullivan style was evident in the early months of the Model S, particularly at the launches. His personality nicely dovetailed with Elon's, adding enthusiasm when it was most needed. It's just great the way he was able to connect with individual owners. That alone added a great deal to Tesla's credibility.�
Nov 22, 2013
dsm363 Wish George the best as well. Always made whoever he was talking to feel like an old friend.
Best of luck George on your future endeavors!�
Nov 23, 2013
sp4rk Best of luck George in your retirement.
It'll be very hard to fill your shoes.
It was great meeting you at the factory; sorry you were forced to sign* Brian's T shirt, but it came with the territory!
*And wow, that's a blur. Were you ok?�
Nov 23, 2013
patp George was amazing. I met him at the Toronto Store opening. He was sincerely interested in what customers had to say. Also he was great at adding some emotions to Elon's presentation
Thank you George.�
Nov 23, 2013
vfx Best to you George!! !
Many conversations at events with him from Fashion Island to the Design Center to the Factory and the Teslive de-shirting. George is always a energetic Tesla supporter and true fan. Like me, he was sold on his first test go in a Roadster. Apropos in that his energy output is also about 400 volts.
George's contributions to Tesla is the stuff of unsung legends. I know his upcoming book on marketing will be as rich as his life.
PS
I made up the part about him writing a book. But wouldn't that be awesome?
George?�
Nov 23, 2013
AlMc George, Congratulations on a job well done. Enjoy your retirement and spend the time you have earned with your family. You were always very gracious with your time and answered my emails personally. I owe you an adult beverage(s) of your choice at a watering hole of your choosing on Main Street. It still exists, albeit a bit changed. Al�
Nov 24, 2013
lorih George signed Brianman's shirt and is leaving Tesla!?! I hope Brian didn't have Elon or Jerome sign his shirt. I know Brian traumatizes some people, and we don't want him single-handedly taking down Tesla.
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Nov 24, 2013
brianman Nothing a little hot water can't cure.�
Nov 25, 2013
JEU Good luck on your retirement! May you bring many smiles!
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Nov 26, 2013
neroden He was truly excellent at sales, but he was simply not solving the rather severe problems with communications at Tesla (simply outside his skill set, perhaps). Best of luck to Mr. Blankenship in future endeavors.
I have no idea whether Jerome will be any better at communications. But if he doesn't, the Tesla Motors record is that he'll be replaced by someone else fairly quickly.
�
Nov 27, 2013
jomo25 Only the best wishes for George. I had a minor, but important interaction with him on my journey towards Model S ownership. His willingness to listen and help customers was unparalleled and greatly appreciated.
He'll be generating many smiles in his new role as well, if his past history is any indicator�
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