Ebay’s UK marketer to lead its Euro team

Ebay has promoted UK marketing director Torsten Schuppe to the role of chief European marketer. The move is part of a restructure of its marketing operations that will also see the division moved to Switzerland.

The auction site has started a review of the team and is now in discussions with its European marketing staff about the move to Zurich. It is understood that Schuppe will eventually oversee a team of about 50 people.

An eBay spokesperson says the new marketing team will be responsible for all internet and retention marketing across Europe, including search, direct marketing, email and on-site advertising.

The restructure is part of eBay’s plans to cut 10% of its global workforce as part of a major cost-cutting measure, which was announced in October this year. It is looking to save $150m (£85m) a year to combat declining sales.

The new European marketing team is expected to work alongside eBay’s international advertising division, already based in Switzerland and headed by Christian Kunz.

The international advertising division was launched in July to capitalise on the growing number of brands looking to launch cross-territory branding campaigns.

An eBay spokesperson says that the changes will have a “minimal effect” on the business and will not affect its agency relationships.

Ebay currently works with Albion and Tullo Marsh-all Warren in the UK, and has an annual spend of about £8m.

It was thought that the website would review its media planning and buying account next year, but it is not clear if this will go head.

Last month, it appointed Carat to handle the media for its Christmas campaign, and it has been thought the agency may take the whole account in the long term. It is currently handled in house.