eBay overhauls leadership, policies and fees amid executive departure
eBay announced the departure of VP Blair Ethington after nearly four years, while promoting Dr. Saskia Meier-Andrae to lead its European Union operations, updating seller policies effective September and October, and noting changes to its UK fitment tools. Starting October 15, eBay will exclude livestream sales from its Seller Standards, Service Metrics and Top Rated Plus programs, meaning those transactions no longer affect fee discounts or surcharges.
The company also warned that USPS shipping rates accessed through eBay Labels will rise again on September 19, with the notice issued just one day before the increase takes effect. In the United Kingdom, eBay has launched Fitment Plus Auto, a tool that integrates vehicle fitment data directly into listings, as it prepares to retire the standalone myFitment service later this month. Additionally, eBay’s Australian site is expanding its Authenticity Guarantee to cover watches, offering both mandatory and buyer‑paid authentication options. The new VP & General Manager Europe role, filled by Dr. Saskia Meier-Andrae, aims to streamline cross‑border transactions and harmonize seller support across the bloc.
The briefing noted that rival livestream platform Whatnot has criticized eBay’s new Live fee structure while adjusting its own commission model for top sellers. It also mentioned that eBay is seeking expertise to shape the long‑term economics of its Shipping Protections program as it assumes greater liability for package issues.
What we know
eBay VP Buyer, Seller and C2C Blair Ethington is departing after nearly four years in her second stint at the company.
eBay is putting its European Union marketplaces under common commercial leadership, promoting Dr. Saskia Meier-Andrae to VP & General Manager Europe.
eBay will remove Live transactions from Seller Standards, Service Metrics and Top Rated Plus eligibility beginning October 15.
eBay warned sellers that USPS rates via eBay Labels will increase again September 19, announcing the change one day before it takes effect.
eBay launched Fitment Plus Auto in the UK as it prepares to shut down standalone myFitment later this month.