eBay is a well-known online marketplace where users buy and sell items globally. The question “who owns eBay” often comes up as people explore the company’s financial and corporate background. This article breaks down eBay’s ownership, management, and corporate structure in a clear and concise way.
eBay Company Profile
eBay Inc. is a global online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers. It operates as an e-commerce platform where individuals and businesses can sell new and used goods. eBay is known for its auction-style listings but also supports fixed-price sales.
It serves over 190 markets, allowing users to transact in multiple currencies and languages. The platform supports a wide range of categories, from electronics and fashion to collectibles, vehicles, and home goods. eBay earns revenue primarily from transaction fees, listing fees, advertising, and its promoted listings service.
Company Details
- Founded: September 3, 1995
- Founder: Pierre Omidyar
- Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States
- CEO: Jamie Iannone (as of 2025)
- Ticker Symbol: EBAY (NASDAQ)
- Type: Public Company
- Industry: E-commerce
- Products/Services: Online marketplace, seller tools, advertising services
- Revenue (2024): Approximately $9.9 billion
- Employees: Around 10,000 globally
- Market Reach: Over 190 countries and territories
eBay has evolved from a quirky auction site to a structured global marketplace. While it has divested non-core businesses like PayPal, StubHub, and Skype, it remains focused on enhancing its platform for individual and small business sellers.
eBay Founders
eBay was founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, a French-born Iranian-American computer programmer. He created the original version of the site as AuctionWeb, a side project, during Labor Day weekend. The idea was to build a platform where individuals could easily trade items with each other.
The first item sold on AuctionWeb was a broken laser pointer. When Omidyar contacted the buyer to ensure he understood the item was broken, the buyer confirmed he collected such items. This validated the concept of niche peer-to-peer commerce.
Pierre Omidyar later formed a business entity, hired a team, and rebranded AuctionWeb as eBay in 1997. The name was derived from the domain of his consulting firm, Echo Bay Technology Group.
Major Milestones
1995 – eBay (then AuctionWeb) was launched by Pierre Omidyar. It ran from his personal website.
1996 – Omidyar formed a company, hired employee #1 (Jeff Skoll), and began charging users fees.
1997 – AuctionWeb was renamed eBay. The company started expanding its team and infrastructure.
1998 – eBay went public in a successful IPO, raising $63 million. Its stock price surged on the first day of trading.
2002 – eBay acquired PayPal, which became its primary payment service. This was one of its most significant acquisitions.
2005 – It acquired Skype, the VoIP communications platform, though it later sold it to a private investor group led by Silver Lake Partners.
2015 – eBay spun off PayPal as a separate public company to unlock shareholder value.
2020 – eBay sold its classified ads business (eBay Classifieds Group) to Adevinta, a Norwegian media group.
2022 – Acquired TCGplayer, a marketplace for collectible card games, expanding into niche communities.
2024–2025 – Continued to optimize its marketplace model by improving logistics, advertising technology, and seller tools.
Who Owns eBay: Top Shareholders
eBay is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol EBAY. This means it is owned by a mix of institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders. No single person or entity has complete ownership. However, some large institutional shareholders have significant influence over company decisions due to the size of their holdings.
Here’s a list of the major shareholders of eBay as of June 2025:
| Shareholder | Ownership (%) | Shares Held (approx.) | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Vanguard Group, Inc. | 12.8% | 59.6 million | $3.9 billion |
| BlackRock, Inc. | 8.77% | 40.9 million | $2.7 billion |
| Columbia Management Investment Advisers | 6.11% | 28.5 million | $1.9 billion |
| State Street Global Advisors, Inc. | 5.24% | 24.4 million | $1.6 billion |
| UBS Asset Management AG | 3.16% | 14.7 million | $960 million |
| Geode Capital Management, LLC | 2.7% | 12.6 million | $821 million |
| Independent Franchise Partners, LLP | 2.4% | 11.2 million | $729 million |
| Comprehensive Financial Management LLC | 2.15% | 10 million | $655 million |
| Nordea Investment Management AB | 1.96% | 9.15 million | $597 million |
| Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. | 1.66% | 7.7 million | $505 million |
| Dimensional Fund Advisors LP | 1.51% | 7 million | $459 million |
| Beutel Goodman & Company Ltd. | 1.51% | 7 million | $458 million |
| Mirova US LLC | 1.51% | 7 million | $458 million |
| LSV Asset Management | 1.47% | 6.8 million | $446 million |
| Northern Trust Global Investments | 1.46% | 6.8 million | $444 million |
| Victory Capital Management Inc. | 1.27% | 5.9 million | $387 million |
| Legal & General Investment Mgmt Ltd. | 1.08% | 5 million | $328 million |
| Amundi Asset Management SAS | 1.05% | 4.9 million | $320 million |
| Eaton Vance Management | 0.92% | 4.3 million | $281 million |
| Lyrical Asset Management LP | 0.87% | 4 million | $263 million |
| Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management | 0.86% | 4 million | $262 million |
| Invesco Ltd. | 0.85% | 3.9 million | $258 million |
| Invesco Capital Management LLC | 0.83% | 3.8 million | $251 million |
| Manulife Asset Management | 0.83% | 3.8 million | $251 million |
| BNY Asset Management | 0.82% | 3.8 million | $248 million |
The Vanguard Group, Inc.
Vanguard is eBay’s largest institutional shareholder, holding approximately 12.8% of the company’s outstanding shares, which equates to around 59.6 million shares valued at approximately $3.9 billion. As a leading asset management firm, Vanguard’s substantial stake grants it significant influence over shareholder votes and corporate governance matters.
BlackRock, Inc.
BlackRock holds about 8.77% of eBay’s shares, totaling approximately 40.9 million shares valued at around $2.7 billion. As one of the world’s largest investment management firms, BlackRock’s investment in eBay reflects its confidence in the company’s long-term prospects.
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
Columbia Management owns approximately 6.11% of eBay, translating to about 28.5 million shares valued at roughly $1.9 billion. This significant stake indicates Columbia Management’s strategic interest in eBay’s performance and growth.
State Street Global Advisors, Inc.
State Street holds around 5.24% of eBay’s shares, amounting to approximately 24.4 million shares valued at about $1.6 billion. As a major institutional investor, State Street plays a role in influencing eBay’s corporate decisions through its voting rights.
UBS Asset Management AG
UBS Asset Management owns approximately 3.16% of eBay, which is about 14.7 million shares valued at nearly $960 million. This stake reflects UBS’s investment strategy and confidence in eBay’s market position.
Geode Capital Management, LLC
Geode Capital holds about 2.7% of eBay’s shares, equating to roughly 12.6 million shares valued at around $821 million. As a significant institutional investor, Geode’s holdings contribute to the overall institutional ownership of eBay.
Independent Franchise Partners, LLP
Independent Franchise Partners owns approximately 2.4% of eBay, translating to about 11.2 million shares valued at approximately $729 million. This stake signifies the firm’s investment in eBay’s future growth and profitability.
Comprehensive Financial Management LLC
Comprehensive Financial Management holds around 2.15% of eBay’s shares, amounting to approximately 10 million shares valued at about $655 million. This investment reflects the firm’s strategic allocation in eBay’s stock.
Nordea Investment Management AB
Nordea owns about 1.96% of eBay, which is roughly 9.15 million shares valued at approximately $597 million. As a European asset manager, Nordea’s stake indicates its global investment reach and confidence in eBay.
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
Boston Partners holds approximately 1.66% of eBay’s shares, equating to about 7.7 million shares valued at around $505 million. This stake underscores Boston Partners’ investment strategy focusing on value-oriented stocks.
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
Dimensional Fund Advisors owns about 1.51% of eBay, translating to approximately 7 million shares valued at roughly $459 million. The firm’s investment reflects its quantitative approach to asset management.
Beutel Goodman & Company Ltd.
Beutel Goodman holds around 1.51% of eBay’s shares, amounting to about 7 million shares valued at approximately $458 million. This stake indicates the firm’s confidence in eBay’s financial health and market position.
Mirova US LLC
Mirova owns approximately 1.51% of eBay, which is about 7 million shares valued at roughly $458 million. As a sustainability-focused investment firm, Mirova’s stake suggests an interest in eBay’s ESG practices.
LSV Asset Management
LSV Asset Management holds about 1.47% of eBay’s shares, equating to approximately 6.8 million shares valued at around $446 million. This investment aligns with LSV’s quantitative value investment strategy.
Northern Trust Global Investments
Northern Trust owns around 1.46% of eBay, translating to about 6.8 million shares valued at approximately $444 million. As a global asset management firm, Northern Trust’s stake reflects its diversified investment approach.
Victory Capital Management Inc.
Victory Capital holds approximately 1.27% of eBay’s shares, amounting to about 5.9 million shares valued at around $387 million. This investment indicates Victory Capital’s strategic interest in eBay’s performance.
Legal & General Investment Management Limited
Legal & General owns about 1.08% of eBay, which is roughly 5 million shares valued at approximately $328 million. As a UK-based asset manager, this stake represents its international investment portfolio.
Amundi Asset Management SAS
Amundi holds around 1.05% of eBay’s shares, equating to approximately 4.9 million shares valued at about $320 million. This investment reflects Amundi’s global asset management strategy.
Eaton Vance Management
Eaton Vance owns approximately 0.92% of eBay, translating to about 4.3 million shares valued at around $281 million. This stake indicates Eaton Vance’s confidence in eBay’s long-term growth.
Lyrical Asset Management LP
Lyrical Asset Management holds about 0.87% of eBay’s shares, amounting to approximately 4 million shares valued at around $263 million. This investment aligns with Lyrical’s focus on value investing.
Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management
Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management owns around 0.86% of eBay, which is about 4 million shares valued at approximately $262 million. This stake reflects Deutsche Bank’s asset management division’s investment strategy.
Invesco Ltd.
Invesco holds approximately 0.85% of eBay’s shares, equating to about 3.9 million shares valued at around $258 million. This investment indicates Invesco’s diversified portfolio approach.
Invesco Capital Management LLC
Invesco Capital Management owns about 0.83% of eBay, translating to approximately 3.8 million shares valued at around $251 million. This stake complements Invesco’s broader investment in eBay through its various funds.
Manulife Asset Management
Manulife holds around 0.83% of eBay’s shares, amounting to about 3.8 million shares valued at approximately $251 million. This investment reflects Manulife’s global asset management strategy.
BNY Asset Management
BNY Asset Management owns approximately 0.82% of eBay, equating to about 3.8 million shares valued at around $248 million. This stake indicates BNY’s confidence in eBay’s market position.
Who is the CEO of eBay?
As of June 2025, Jamie Iannone serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of eBay Inc., a role he has held since April 27, 2020.
Jamie Iannone brings over two decades of experience in digital and omnichannel platforms. Before rejoining eBay, he was the Chief Operating Officer of Walmart eCommerce and CEO of SamsClub.com, where he led significant digital transformation initiatives. His earlier tenure at eBay, from 2001 to 2009, included various leadership roles overseeing global search, buyer experience, and tailored shopping experiences.
Strategic Vision
Under Iannone’s leadership, eBay has focused on enhancing its platform through technological innovation. This includes the integration of generative AI capabilities to streamline buying and selling processes, such as improved listing tools and enhanced search and advertising features.
Leadership Structure
eBay’s executive team under Iannone comprises seasoned professionals:
- Cornelius Boone, SVP, Chief People Officer
- Eddie Garcia, SVP, Chief Product Officer
- Julie Loeger, SVP, Chief Growth Officer
- Steve Priest, SVP, Chief Financial Officer
- Mazen Rawashdeh, SVP & Chief Technology Officer
- Jordan Sweetnam, SVP, Global Markets
- Samantha Wellington, SVP, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Secretary.
Governance and Control
eBay operates under a governance structure where the CEO reports to the Board of Directors. As of 2025, Paul Pressler serves as the Chairman of the Board, a position he has held since June 29, 2020. The Board oversees the company’s strategic direction and ensures accountability, while the CEO and executive team manage day-to-day operations.
Institutional investors, such as The Vanguard Group and BlackRock, hold significant shares in eBay, influencing corporate decisions through shareholder voting rights. However, operational control remains with the executive leadership and the Board.
Who Controls eBay?
Control of eBay lies primarily in the hands of its board of directors, executive leadership team, and major shareholders. These groups influence the company’s strategic direction and operational decisions.
Board of Directors
The board of directors is responsible for overseeing eBay’s overall management and governance. They set long-term strategies, approve major policies, and hire or replace top executives, including the CEO. The board consists of independent members as well as representatives from major shareholders.
Executive Leadership Team
Day-to-day control of eBay is managed by the executive leadership team, led by the CEO. This team includes senior executives who head key functions such as finance, operations, marketing, and technology. They execute the strategies approved by the board and manage daily operations.
Largest Shareholders’ Influence
In 2025, eBay’s largest shareholders are mostly institutional investors like The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street Corporation. Although these investors do not run daily operations, they hold significant voting power. Their influence is exercised through shareholder meetings where key decisions—like electing board members or approving mergers—are made.
Decision-Making Process
- Strategic Decisions: The board of directors sets company-wide policies and strategic goals. They make decisions on mergers, acquisitions, and major investments.
- Operational Decisions: The CEO and executive team handle daily operations, budgeting, and resource allocation based on board guidelines.
- Shareholder Voting: Shareholders vote on critical issues such as board elections and executive compensation. Institutional investors’ votes carry substantial weight.
eBay Annual Revenue and Net Worth
In 2024, eBay reported total revenue of $10.3 billion, reflecting a 2% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by enhancements to the platform and increased advertising revenue.
The company’s Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) for the year reached $74.7 billion, up 2% from 2023, indicating a positive trend in key categories.
eBay’s GAAP net income for 2024 was $1.975 billion, a 28.62% decline from the previous year. However, the Non-GAAP net income increased by 8% year-over-year, totaling $2.45 billion.
As of June 2025, eBay’s net worth stands at approximately $5.20 billion, and its market capitalization stands well over $35 billion, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s performance and strategic initiatives.
The company’s balance sheet remains robust, with total assets of $19.4 billion and stockholders’ equity of $5.2 billion as of December 31, 2024.
eBay’s financial health is further underscored by its strong cash flow, generating $2.4 billion in operating cash flow during 2024. The company returned $3.7 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value.
Here’s an overview of the historical revenue and net worth of eBay from 2015-24:
| Year | Revenue (USD Billion) | Market Capitalization (USD Billion) | Net Worth / Shareholders’ Equity (USD Billion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10.28 | 30.67 | 5.20 |
| 2023 | 10.11 | 22.63 | 5.10 |
| 2022 | 9.79 | 22.50 | 5.00 |
| 2021 | 10.42 | 41.62 | 4.95 |
| 2020 | 8.89 | 34.63 | 4.80 |
| 2019 | 7.43 | 28.74 | 4.50 |
| 2018 | 8.65 | 25.68 | 4.40 |
| 2017 | 9.93 | 39.42 | 4.25 |
| 2016 | 9.30 | 33.19 | 4.10 |
| 2015 | 8.59 | 32.53 | 3.95 |
Companies Owned by eBay
eBay Inc. has strategically expanded its portfolio through various acquisitions and brand developments, enhancing its presence in the global e-commerce landscape.
Here’s a list of the major brands and companies owned by eBay as of June 2025:
| Name | Type | Description | Focus Area/Region | Status (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caramel | Acquisition (2025) | End-to-end automotive transaction platform integrated into eBay Motors | U.S. automotive transactions | Active |
| eBay International Advertising GmbH | Subsidiary | Manages advertising solutions and ad monetization for eBay in global markets | Europe and international | Active |
| eBay Brand Outlet | Internal Brand | Platform for discounted premium branded items, including refurbished goods | Global | Active |
| eBay Authenticity Guarantee | Service Initiative | Verifies authenticity of luxury items (watches, handbags, sneakers, etc.) | Global | Active |
| eBay Motors | Platform/Marketplace | Dedicated portal for cars, trucks, and automotive parts | Global | Active |
| eBay Kleinanzeigen | Classifieds Platform | Local classified ads website formerly under eBay Germany | Germany | Active (under new owner post-divestiture but still associated with legacy) |
| eBay Classifieds Group | Former Subsidiary (sold in 2020) | Umbrella group of classifieds (Gumtree, Kijiji, Marktplaats, etc.) | Global (was active in 13 countries) | Sold in 2020 |
| eBay Ventures | Corporate Venture Arm | Invests in startups aligned with eBay’s strategic goals | Global | Active |
Caramel
In February 2025, eBay completed the acquisition of Caramel, an end-to-end online automotive transaction solution provider. This move aims to simplify and secure online vehicle transactions, integrating Caramel’s innovative technology into eBay’s platform.
eBay International Advertising GmbH
eBay International Advertising GmbH is a subsidiary focused on managing eBay’s advertising operations across international markets. It plays a crucial role in driving revenue through targeted advertising solutions.
eBay Brand Outlet
The eBay Brand Outlet offers shoppers access to authentic, high-quality items from top brands at competitive prices. Brands featured include Mulberry, Shark, Ninja, and Samsung, among others. The outlet provides both new and refurbished products, ensuring quality and value for customers.
eBay Authenticity Guarantee
eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is a service that verifies the authenticity of high-value items, such as luxury handbags and watches. This program enhances buyer confidence by ensuring that products meet stringent authentication standards.
eBay Motors
eBay Motors is a dedicated platform for buying and selling vehicles and automotive parts. It caters to a global audience, providing a comprehensive marketplace for automotive enthusiasts and professionals.
eBay Kleinanzeigen
eBay Kleinanzeigen is a classified advertising platform operating primarily in Germany. It allows users to post and browse listings for various goods and services, facilitating local transactions.
eBay Classifieds Group
Before its sale in 2020, eBay Classifieds Group encompassed several classified ad platforms, including Gumtree, Kijiji, and Marktplaats. These platforms operated in various countries, offering localized services for buying and selling goods.
eBay Ventures
eBay Ventures is the company’s investment arm, focusing on identifying and investing in innovative startups that align with eBay’s strategic objectives. This initiative supports the growth of emerging technologies and business models within the e-commerce sector.
Conclusion
Understanding who owns eBay provides insight into its corporate direction and decision-making. The company is publicly owned, with major institutional investors like Vanguard and BlackRock holding large stakes. Its CEO and board play key roles in its strategy. eBay continues to focus on its core marketplace and a few niche platforms while maintaining a strong financial position.
FAQs
Who actually owns eBay?
eBay is a publicly traded company owned by its shareholders. No single person owns eBay outright. Its largest shareholders include institutional investors such as The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and various mutual funds.
Is eBay American or British?
eBay is an American company. It was founded and is headquartered in San Jose, California, USA.
Is eBay an Amazon company?
No, eBay is not owned by Amazon. They are two separate, competing companies in the e-commerce space.
Does eBay still own PayPal?
No, eBay no longer owns PayPal. The two companies split in 2015, making PayPal an independent company.
Does Google own eBay?
No, Google does not own eBay. eBay remains an independent publicly traded company.
What was the first item sold on eBay?
The first item sold on eBay was a broken laser pointer. The founder, Pierre Omidyar, listed it as a test and was surprised when it sold.
Who is richer Amazon or eBay?
Amazon is significantly larger and “richer” than eBay in terms of revenue, market value, and overall business scale.
Who is eBay’s biggest shareholder?
As of 2025, institutional investors like The Vanguard Group and BlackRock are among eBay’s biggest shareholders.
Is eBay owned by Amazon?
No, eBay is not owned by Amazon. They operate independently.
Who owns eBay company?
eBay is owned by its shareholders, mainly large institutional investors and mutual funds.
Who owns eBay and PayPal?
eBay is owned by its shareholders, and PayPal is now a completely separate publicly traded company with its own shareholders.
Who owns eBay Australia?
eBay Australia operates as a regional branch of eBay Inc., owned by the parent company eBay Inc., headquartered in the US.
Is eBay owned by China?
No, eBay is not owned by any Chinese company or government. It is an American publicly traded company.
What percentage of eBay does Vanguard own?
Vanguard owns approximately 13% of eBay’s outstanding shares, making it the largest institutional investor.
Is eBay a privately owned company?
No, eBay is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol EBAY.
Who founded eBay?
eBay was founded by Pierre Omidyar in 1995.
Does Elon Musk have any ownership in eBay?
No, Elon Musk has no ownership or known investment in eBay.