Brands
eBay to add Skype phone link to listings
MUMBAI: After paying a whopping $2.6 billion to acquire Skype last year, eBay has announced its first major business plan: to integrate the internet tele-calling service with its customer feedback system.
Starting 19 June, sellers in 14 selected categories will be able to add a free “Skype Me” button to their listings. Potential buyers, who are looking for more information directly, can then communicate with the seller using voice, text chat, or both through the new facility.
How does this work? Sellers will be able to embed simple “Skype Me” icons alongside product listing to allow users to contact them using a new feature, “Ask a seller a question.” The feature is free and designed to allow people to answer quick questions before completing specific purchases. When a potential buyer clicks the “Skype Me” button on the Web page, buyers can instantly be put into contact with the seller via a web-based voice call, a text message, or both.
eBay’s North American auction business president Bill Cobb said in a statement that, the company was set to begin a trial programme on its U.S. site to evaluate how Skype can be used to connect sellers to buyers seeking product information before they buy. “Skype represents a tremendous opportunity for our sellers to connect even more closely with their buyers,” Cobb said.
Eyebrows were raised when eBay spent such a humungous amount to acquire Skype which had revenues less than $100 million. The recent move provides part of eBay’s strategy as it targets to double Skype’s revenues.
Brands
SBI General Insurance appoints Shrish Mahuli as chief business officer
Industry veteran with 24 years’ experience to drive growth and distribution
MUMBAI: SBI General Insurance has appointed Shrish Ramchandra Mahuli as chief business officer, strengthening its leadership team as it looks to accelerate growth and deepen market reach.
In his new role, Mahuli will oversee the company’s overall business strategy, expand distribution channels and drive customer-focused growth initiatives across key markets. The move comes as the insurer sharpens its focus on profitable growth and enhanced customer engagement.
Mahuli brings over 24 years of experience across the insurance and automotive sectors. He has previously held leadership roles at Reliance General Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance and Tata Motors, where he worked on scaling businesses and strengthening distribution networks.
SBI General Insurance managing director and CEO Naveen Chandra Jha said, “We are delighted to welcome Mr Mahuli at a time when the industry is witnessing strong momentum driven by rising awareness and evolving customer needs. His deep domain expertise and proven leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our distribution footprint and driving profitable growth.”
SBI General Insurance chief business officer Shrish Ramchandra Mahuli said, “I am pleased to join SBI General Insurance at a time when the industry is evolving rapidly. I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen the business and drive sustainable growth.”
The appointment underlines the company’s push to build leadership depth and deliver more accessible, customer-centric insurance solutions in a rapidly evolving market.
