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Known
for leading-edge, visionary work in integrated brand
positioning, marketing, and design in retail, Arthur combined
his understanding of retailing with experience in urban design
and architecture successfully at Starbucks. In 1992, Arthur
joined Starbucks Coffee Company serving as the Executive Vice
President responsible for the planning and execution of
Starbucks retail brand design, positioning, real estate, and
store growth strategies. His oversight in building Starbuck’s
Coffee into one of the world’s most recognizable brands and
spearheading Starbucks expansion globally helped establish
Starbucks as the “Gold-Standard” of retail branding, concept
growth, and quality customer service.
During his ten years with Starbucks, Arthur built a successful,
multi-faceted store development and design organization with the
talent, in-house processes, and systems necessary to execute
rapid expansion. Under Arthur’s leadership Starbucks grew from
100 stores to over 3,800 stores worldwide. Today, Starbucks
store development capabilities are revered - the standard by
which the industry measures brand presentation, real estate site
selection, store design, construction management, and asset
management.
Arthur participated in creating the Starbucks approach to
ensuring the highest quality service levels for customers and
was closely involved with the company’s strategic planning. In
addition, with responsibility for overall strategic development,
Arthur identified acquisition candidates and strategic
partnerships to extend the brand and fuel further growth. Such
ventures include the well-known joint venture with Earvin
“Magic” Johnson, through Johnson Development Inc., to open
stores in underserved communities. Co-tenancy/co-branded
concepts were also developed with Wells Fargo Bank, Sony, Warner
Bros., Mirage Resorts, Crate & Barrel, and Barnes and Noble
Bookstores.
Upon earning his Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban
Design from the University of Colorado, Arthur
practiced architecture in New York and California. During this
period, Arthur was responsible for the construction of The
Palace Hotel. This 55-story hotel tower on Madison Avenue is
recognized for its incorporation of Villard Houses (on the
National Historic Register) which were redesigned to be part of
the hotel’s grand entry, restaurants and meeting room complex.
Mr. Rubinfeld has lectured at:
General Electric
Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Stafford Foundation
International Council of Shopping Centers Forums
Retail 2002 and Retail 2004 Conferences
University of Washington |
