Dan Tarman

CCO
eBay
United States

Dan Tarman was named eBay CCO just as the company prepared its split with PayPal and readied for a new CEO Devin Wenig to take the helm. Like his predecessor, Tarman reports into the CEO and became part of the company’s executive leadership team.

“Dan is a seasoned executive and strong leader with the right combination of global communications and brand experience to help us lead eBay forward," Wenig said in a statement at the time of the appointment. “I look forward to having him on our leadership team as we create the next great chapter for eBay."

Tarman joined eBay from PIMCO, where for the past eight years he was EVP and global head of corporate communications. There, he also reported to the CEO and led brand and reputation management efforts for the bond investment management firm. Prior to PIMCO, Tarman held senior communications positions at Countrywide Financial Corporation, Visa and Burson-Marsteller. He holds a law degree.

At eBay, he leads the global communications function responsible for brand and reputation management, employee communications, social innovation and the eBay Foundation. 

Can you share a moment in your career that you recognized PR's direct impact on business performance?
While at PIMCO during the Lehman Brothers collapse and ensuing financial crisis, our immediate and sustained communications efforts had a massive positive impact on the stability of our firm, the financial markets and ultimately led to significant positive client response (eg more assets).

What are the industry's biggest challenges and opportunities? 
Within the industry and across the business community, we need to further define and evolve the role of communications. Externally we need to actively support the legitimacy and role of the media as a vital source of information and stability in our society. The attempt to delegitimize the media is deeply troubling and a call to action for all Comms professionals. In fact, Communications has never been more important to the success of companies and enterprise, and our role as story-tellers is integral to information and knowledge sharing.

How do you handle the unexpected?
It's in my DNA as a CCO.

How do you relax?
I have two boys ages 6&10. They help make sure I keep it real every day. They're my nirvana.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
Teaching and mentoring young people. ...and in better shape:)