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Can New CEO Keep eBay on Top?

Company faces slowing growth, competition

By Laila Weir,  Newser User

Posted Mar 31, 2008 2:12 PM CDT

(Newser) – As John Donahoe takes over from Meg Whitman as CEO of eBay today, he inherits a grande dame where Whitman oversaw the rise of an e-commerce belle. Still dominant in online auctions, the company has nonetheless faced slowing growth and stiffening competition. But analysts think Donahoe, the former eBay Marketplace president, can hold the site's high bid on the market, USA Today reports.

eBay’s US revenue has declined in five of the last six quarters, and the site has struggled to establish itself in Asia. Meanwhile, some sellers are defecting to Amazon and other sites, fleeing eBay's fee hikes or seeking more opportunities. Still, one analyst called it “eBay's battle to lose." Donahoe has said he’ll emphasize fixed-priced listings more and push for a better search engine.

Meg Whitman, outgoing CEO of EBay, is joining Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign as national co-chairperson.
Meg Whitman, outgoing CEO of EBay, is joining Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign as national co-chairperson.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)
In this photo provided by eBay, incoming Chief Executive John Donahoe in shown.
In this photo provided by eBay, incoming Chief Executive John Donahoe in shown.   (AP Photo/eBay, ho)
Meg Whitman, longtime CEO of eBay, gives the keynote address at the eBay Live conference, June 14, 2007. Whitman stepped down as CEO today.
Meg Whitman, longtime CEO of eBay, gives the keynote address at the eBay Live conference, June 14, 2007. Whitman stepped down as CEO today.   (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds, file)
An eBay sign is shown outside of the eBay campus in San Jose, in this July 17, 2007 file photo.
An eBay sign is shown outside of the eBay campus in San Jose, in this July 17, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, file)
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