eBay Ads brings in Microsoft chief to head up UK team

eBay Ads has recruited Microsoft Advertising EMEA marketing lead Upasana Gupta as its new general manager of advertising in the UK, succeeding Harmony Murphy who has joined Google in a top European role.

Heading up the eBay Ads UK team based in Richmond, London, Gupta will focus on driving adoption of advertising solutions to help sellers to thrive, brands to grow, and buyers to discover products on the eBay platform.

The division also provides marketers with regular key insights around consumer behaviour and campaign timings. Its most recent report highlighted the return of the “make and do mend” ethos, as UK shoppers turn to second-hand shopping and upcycling to combat the cost of living crisis, as well as minimise their environmental impact. It also provided top tips on how brands could navigate the Covid pandemic.

Gupta had spent 16 years at Microsoft Advertising and was most recently responsible for building and evolving the company’s ad business to drive success and growth for customers.

Murphy, meanwhile, who was at eBay ads for just over two years, following a spell at the Telegraph Group as global head of digital and programmatic, has switched to Google as retail head of the UK and Ireland division.

Gupta said: “I couldn’t be more excited to join eBay and become part of a company that has been one of the earliest tech-led business leaders — creating connections and opportunities for people and businesses around the world.

“The growth potential that exists today within the digital advertising space is huge and I look forward to working with the team to help expand the eBay Ads business and support clients and sellers across the UK on their growth journey.”

eBay Ads GM advertiser growth Elisabeth Rommel added: “Upasana brings a strong background from years building and evolving Microsoft’s advertising business and will be a fantastic addition to our UK team — enabling us to drive adoption of ads solutions in the UK and, in turn, enabling us to help sellers to grow their businesses.”