SEATTLE — Starbucks Coffee Company has announced that former Starbucks executive Arthur Rubinfeld has returned to the company in the role of president of global development. In this newly created position, Rubinfeld will be responsible for site selection, design and creative concepting for Starbucks stores worldwide.
Most recently, Rubinfeld served as executive vice president of corporate strategy and chief development officer at Potbelly Sandwich Works. In 2001, he founded AIRVISION, an advisory firm specializing in brand positioning, growth strategies and operational plans for clients, including Adidas, Omaha Steaks, Oakley and Washington Mutual. Additionally, Rubinfeld served as Starbucks executive vice president for store development from 1992 to 2001 and is credited with building the world-class function for the company.
Prior to joining Starbucks in 1992, Rubinfeld was managing partner of Epsteen & Associates, practiced as a national NCARB-certified architect in New York and authored the book "Built for Growth – Expanding Your Business Around the Corner or Across the Globe," a tutorial on brand development, business model infrastructure, retail site selection and innovation.
