Leadership

eBay’s Executive Leaders Share Their Favorite eBay Experiences

Rachel Chen, eBay News Team

From nostalgic listings to unique seller stories, our Executive Leadership Team reflects on their favorite eBay moments.

eBay’s executive leaders are innovators in technology, culture and business, shaping the company’s vision and driving the future of inclusive ecommerce forward. They are also buyers, sellers and ambassadors on eBay’s online marketplace, dedicated to empowering our communities of small businesses and unearthing one-of-a-kind finds. Here are some of our executives’ most memorable eBay experiences. 

Jamie Iannone, President and Chief Executive Officer

On eBay, I sold a Hammond B-3 organ that I’ve owned since I was a teenager to a church. The day it was delivered, the pastor sent me a video of his organist playing it, and I joked with him that it never sounded that good when I played it!

Cornelius Boone, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer

I am a self-proclaimed “sneakerhead.” As a child, I used to save my allowances from doing chores to buy sneakers. Now, as an adult, buying my favorite shoes from my childhood is always a nostalgic moment for me. Some old habits die hard — I have continued to add to my collection by finding unique and collectible sneakers on eBay.

Rob Hattrell, Senior Vice President and Head of eBay Europe

My favorite eBay experience as a seller was when my wife and I sold our prized home sofa, which was the first one we’d ever bought. We purchased it when we moved into our first home. It was perfect for us and our house, but as our family got bigger, it could not come with us. Naturally, we sold it on eBay. The couple who came to pick it up was just like we were when we first bought it – newly married and moving into a new home. It was perfect for them, and it was great to see it go to be part of their story. 

My favorite eBay experience in my job is every year in the U.K. we run a set of seller awards where we recognize our business sellers from all parts of the U.K. Their stories of courage and bravery in the face of what is often personal adversity; their trading skill and agility; and the diversity of their backgrounds, businesses and approaches are truly inspirational for me and my team.

Marie Oh Huber, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary

I love the story of the husband-wife team of Hans and Andrea that I was privileged to meet who started selling yarn on eBay after their clothing operation went out of business. They grew their company to 40 employees, selling 1 million balls of beautiful yarn every year. They live in a small town in Germany away from major urban centers and are providing employment to many who might not otherwise have had a chance to work outside the home.

Stefanie Jay, Senior Vice President and Chief Business and Strategy Officer

I love using eBay to find unique, hard-to-get fashion items in my petite size! My favorite classic white shirt from Steven Alan has a unique inside-out seam that makes it very special. I bought the same one again and again, but after a few years, they stopped making it. But I found it on eBay! Also, when Roger Federer moved his brand from Nike to Uniqlo, it was impossible to find his signature logo hat, but of course, I was able to get one for my husband on eBay. Lastly, my son’s size 3 authentic Ferrari racing jacket will forever be the most memorable Halloween costume win ever. These simple but not easy to find items bring so much joy to our household!

Jay Lee, Senior Vice President of International Marketplaces

When I went to visit some sellers on the outskirts of Shanghai, I realized that the sellers were newlyweds and their three-story home was also their office. They told me their eBay business had helped them pay for both their wedding and their house. They had their staff there and all the rooms were filled with merchandise. This brought home to me in a real way what we do at eBay every day.

Julie Loeger, Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer

Many great stories come to mind – both my own and those I’ve heard. One theme that holds true in our household is eBay as the place to go to find the items you want at the right price. In December of 2020, my husband purchased really cool binoculars so we could view the Christmas Star, and I purchased a purse for my daughter that was quite difficult to find through normal channels. I was so excited to find it on eBay for the right price and delivery schedule.

Steve Priest, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

With young children at home, eBay is always my go-to for toys and games, and the oh so hard-to-find replacement parts that inevitably go missing! Only a few weeks ago my four-year-old was devastated that we were missing pieces from his favorite game. eBay saved the day, and I was a hero when three days later the parts arrived in the mail!

Mazen Rawashdeh, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

My 18-year-old son is an avid eBay buyer and seller. I regularly hear his compliments and complaints on both buying and selling experiences. This reminds me how relevant and accessible our commerce platform is to users of all ages.

Jordan Sweetnam, Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America

With over 1,200 pieces of feedback, it’s hard to think of one moment – every part of my home is touched by eBay. All of our art has been purchased from independent artists on eBay, as have my tropical plants and the ladybugs that protect them, the cool vintage pinball machine that lights up our living room and the throwback to my lost childhood Christmas ornaments that have such strong memories. The amazing diversity of eBay’s sellers and their inventory support my passions.

Pete Thompson, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer

My favorite eBay experience has been searching for hard-to-find Lego figures for my kids. While not the biggest gift for their birthdays, they were always the best and most appreciated. It was so gratifying to see their excitement and joy for these toys that could only be found on eBay.