E-commerce giant eBay Inc. has announced that Chief Financial Officer Steve Priest will step down in May. He will be succeeded by Peggy Alford, a former executive at PayPal, where she served as a vice president.
The leadership change comes as eBay reported first-quarter revenue of $2.59 billion, surpassing analysts’ projections of $2.55 billion, according to data from LSEG. The company also issued a second-quarter revenue forecast ranging between $2.59 billion and $2.66 billion, with the midpoint above market expectations.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds and the challenges posed by U.S. trade policies and tariffs, eBay continues to demonstrate resilience. Outgoing CFO Priest noted that demand remained inconsistent early in the year, with weaker performance in February followed by a pickup in March.
eBay’s strategic pivot toward high-value segments—such as luxury items, collectibles, and refurbished goods—has helped it sustain consumer interest amid inflationary pressures. CEO Jamie Iannone emphasized that the company’s focus on key product categories and geographically targeted investments is fueling positive momentum.
Additionally, eBay is leveraging generative AI technologies, including an AI-powered listing tool, to streamline user experiences on the platform. Enhancements in search functionality and targeted advertising are further improving buyer and seller engagement.
Gross merchandise volume (GMV) for the quarter rose 1% year-over-year, reaching $18.8 billion. Adjusted earnings per share stood at $1.38, ahead of the estimated $1.34.
Despite uncertainties in the global economic landscape, analysts, including CFRA Research’s Arun Sundaram, remain optimistic about eBay’s outlook, citing solid guidance and continued momentum in GMV and ad revenue.
