ENTERING EBAY: Gigi Ganatra Duff has been named chief communications officer of eBay Inc., the giant online marketplace linking buyers and sellers around the world.
Duff, formerly vice president of corporate affairs at Nordstrom, will lead the global communications team including all internal and external communications, social media, public affairs, ESG communications, eBay Foundation, and content. She reports to chief growth officer Julie Loeger.
Previously, Duff spent nearly eight years at Nordstrom and, before that, served as chief marketing officer at Lionheart Capital real estate and HSN’s vice president of communications. At Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide she handled public relations for W Hotels Worldwide, Le Meridien, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection. Duff currently serves on the board of directors at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
“Gigi’s demonstrated ability to drive transformative change, build high-performing teams and lead through complex initiatives is exactly what eBay needs as we continue to reinvent the future of e-commerce,” said Loeger, who also serves as chair of the eBay Foundation board of directors. “Her customer focus and empathetic leadership style have consistently delivered results while her deep passion for driving social impact and integrating ESG work into brands aligns perfectly with eBay’s DNA. I am confident her leadership and vision will bring fresh energy and innovation to eBay.”
Duff said eBay has reached a “a pivotal moment of transformation.”
“EBay’s mission to create economic opportunity for all is something that resonates with me deeply,” Duff said. “As a passionate storyteller, I look forward to amplifying the impactful stories of eBay’s community and products, while fostering strong partnerships and experiences that help shape the brand’s vision.”
Michelle Friedman was previously eBay’s vice president of global communications until she joined Samsara, a tech company.
In other eBay news, Samantha Wellington is joining the company as senior vice president, chief legal officer, general counsel and secretary, overseeing all global aspects of eBay’s legal department, including government relations, intellectual property, employment, litigation, regulatory and corporate work across financial services, marketplaces, and product and technology organizations. She will report directly to Jamie Iannone, eBay’s chief executive officer, and will join the company Oct. 7. In 2023, eBay enabled more than $73 billion of gross merchandise volume.
