Zinnia places Dr. Saskia Meier-Andrae as VP (CEO), Germany at eBay

eBay

Client Overview 

eBay is the world’s largest online marketplace and one of the most recognized consumer brands globally, connecting millions of buyers and sellers every day with one of the broadest and most diverse selections of products online. Founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, eBay has transformed ecommerce, enabling individuals, small businesses, and large merchants to connect and trade in more than 190 markets worldwide. In 2022, eBay’s gross merchandise volume reached $75 billion, with revenues of $9.8 billion and 185 million active buyers.

eBay positions itself as a partner to retailers and brands rather than a competitor, helping sellers grow their propositions and reach new markets. The company prides itself on a purpose-driven culture, putting the customer at the centre of everything, fostering curiosity, urgency, integrity, and inclusivity.

The Challenge

Germany is one of eBay’s top three global markets, with significant strategic and commercial importance. As the second-largest eCommerce player in Germany, approximately one in three active online buyers in the country engages with eBay. The platform hosts over 100,000 local business sellers and remains the top choice for small and medium-sized businesses starting their ecommerce journey.

Despite its potential, eBay’s performance in Germany had previously been mixed, with market share losses creating the need for renewed strategic focus. Under the leadership of Oliver Klinck, the business regained growth over two years, driven by initiatives such as going free for private sellers, increasing focus on local sellers, and improving buyer experience to enhance customer satisfaction.

Building on these gains, eBay sought a General Manager for Germany to oversee the P&L, lead the market’s strategic vision, and drive performance across all business functions, ensuring continued growth, innovation, and operational excellence. This leader would also represent eBay externally, engaging with stakeholders and the broader retail ecosystem in Germany.

The Search Approach 

Zinnia Associates conducted a targeted search, seeking executives with deep experience in ecommerce or retail, proven P&L ownership, and a track record of driving growth and transformation. Emphasis was placed on identifying candidates who could combine operational rigor with strategic thinking, lead complex projects across multiple functions, and build strong internal and external relationships.

The search involved close collaboration with eBay’s global leadership team to ensure alignment with the company’s strategic objectives, culture, and vision. Candidates were assessed for their ability to deliver business results, drive customer-centric initiatives, and serve as a visible and inspirational leader in Germany.

The Outcome

Following a rigorous search, Zinnia Associates successfully appointed Dr. Saskia Meier-Andrae as General Manager, eBay Germany.

Saskia holds a PhD in Bioinformatics from Oxford University and brings over a decade of consulting experience coupled with six years in senior leadership roles at Wayfair. Her combination of analytical rigor, strategic insight, and operational leadership uniquely positioned her to drive eBay Germany’s growth, enhance customer and seller experience, and continue positioning the German market as a pioneering and high-performing part of eBay globally.

The Impact 

Dr. Saskia Meier-Andrae’s appointment provides eBay with strong leadership in a market critical to its global growth. Her strategic vision, operational expertise, and ability to lead a diverse team ensure that Germany remains a high-performing, innovative, and customer-focused market.

This appointment underscores Zinnia Associates’ expertise in executive search for complex, high-impact leadership roles, delivering talent that drives both immediate performance and long-term strategic success.

Press Release