Paul Drake

ex-eBay Senior Legal Leader | eBay’s first DSA/OSA Compliance Officer | UK-Qualified | Trusted Executive Partner | Leadership of Global Multi-Jurisdictional Teams | CH/UK Dual National

Switzerland

About

ex-eBay senior legal and compliance leader with extensive experience advising global technology businesses. UK qualified; In-house with eBay since 2003, in Switzerland since 2009; a decisive, innovative and pragmatic business lawyer. Trusted executive partner with a proven record of building high-performing legal teams, implementing complex governance frameworks, and leading high-stakes cross-border transactions. Combines deep legal expertise with strategic influence across governance, risk, and compliance on an international scale. Core Career Highlights: Regulatory Leadership & Innovation: Appointed as eBay’s first DSA/OSA Compliance Officer; architected the inaugural governance and reporting frameworks for the EU Digital Services Act and UK Online Safety Act. Delivered eBay’s first DSA Transparency Report, establishing internally recognised standards for data integrity and regulator engagement. Global Legal Management: Directed multi-jurisdictional legal teams across Europe, Australia, and Canada, enhancing collaboration and business alignment while ensuring consistency across diverse regional markets. Executive Leadership Continuity: Served as Interim Chief Privacy Officer for eBay Inc., leading the global privacy organisation and overseeing enterprise-wide data protection strategy. People & Influence: Recognised for a collaborative and steady leadership style that builds cross-functional trust, empowers high-performing teams, and fosters confidence among C-suite executives and international regulators. Strategic Transactions: Key member of the core deal team for eBay’s global classifieds divestiture; successfully converted complex intra-group arrangements into external commercial contracts to protect post-sale revenue and IP assets.

Experience

  • Career transition at Career Break
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    Having successfully closed my final chapter at eBay, I am exploring new leadership opportunities (permanent or interim) within the Swiss and international legal markets.

  • eBay (22 yrs 10 mos)
    • Senior Director, EU Compliance
      Jan 2024 - Dec 2025 · 2 yrs

      Appointed first DSA Compliance Officer; built governance and reporting frameworks for the DSA; led comprehensive OSA risk assessments and implemented OSA governance requirements, reducing regulatory exposure. Represented eBay in formal discussions with EU/UK regulators. Trained as ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems) Lead Implementer.

    • Senior Director, Legal, International Markets and EU Regulatory at eBay
      Sep 2022 - Dec 2023 · 1 yr 4 mos

      Leading the legal team responsible for eBay's marketplaces in Australia, Canada, Italy, France, plus other international markets, and helping the business prepare for new regulations such as DAC7 and the DSA.

    • Senior Director, Legal, Global Marketing and EU Regulatory
      Mar 2020 - Sep 2022 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      Led legal support for eBay's global marketing team, advising on strategic partnerships and high-value campaigns.

  • Solicitor at Olswang
    1996 - Mar 2003 · 7 yrs 3 mos

    Advised clients across the tech, internet, media & gambling industries throughout the dot.com boom/bust, providing me with the unique opportunity to develop my expertise alongside top lawyers in their field.