Happy 21st Birthday, eBay. And Happy 20th Anniversary Year to Employee #1

eBay News Team

This Labor Day weekend marks eBay's 21st anniversary and our first employee's 20th year with the company.

This coming Labor Day marks the 21st anniversary of eBay founder Pierre Omidyar’s launching AuctionWeb – the website that would grow to become eBay – a site “dedicated to bringing together buyers and sellers in an honest and open marketplace. 

As we approach our anniversary, we take note of our very first employee, Chris Agarpao, celebrating his 20th anniversary with the company this year.

Chris was congratulated by colleagues around the world in person and online – including by CEO Devin Wenig.

Still a valued – and celebrated – member of the eBay family, Chris today works as a quality assurance inspector and Workplace Resources Ambassador at our headquarters in San Jose.

Chris admits he had no idea of the fantastic career opportunity that he had just stumbled upon when he met Pierre. “I had no idea whatsoever. At that stage, it was just a hobby for Pierre. I started off working in his townhouse, processing his final value fees. It was just a chance for me to work on my computer skills, and to work with Pierre.”

He continued: “I go on my rounds at eBay and I talk to people, and I connect with them. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with great leaders. I love it.”