eBay hunts for UK legal head after loss to Skype

Online auction giant eBay’s UK director of legal affairs Robert Miller has resigned to take over the role of global general counsel of internet phone company Skype Worldwide.

Luxembourg-based Skype was acquired by eBay in September 2005 for $2.6bn, with Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom and Clifford Chance taking the lead roles on that transaction.

Miller, who joined eBay in 2001 from BT, starts his new post from Monday (February 6). He will have global responsibility for the company’s legal and regulatory affairs.

eBay is now on the hunt for a new UK legal head, one of the most sought after legal positions within technology and internet sector.

Olswang was the prime beneficiary of external work under Miller’s reign, with the firm advising eBay on its first UK acquisition in May 2005.