Execs & Accounts for February 8, 2006

Amazon’s search chief at A9.com, Udi Manber, has departed to accept a post with Google, according to reports. He’s replaced by David Tennenhouse, former VP of Intel’s corporate technology group as well as its director of research. Tennenhouse was previously director of the IT offices at DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).

LinkShare promoted Steven Denton to president following the resignation of CEO and founder Stephen Messer. Denton joined in 2000, serving most recently as SVP of client development and distribution services. Chief operating officer Heidi Messer also left. LinkShare last year agreed to be acquired by Japanese portal Rakutin.

Microsoft made two promotions within MSN’s programming ranks. Rob Bennett was elevated from project unit manager of MSN Video to general manager of entertainment and video services for all MSN. Joe Michaels was bumped up to director of business development of entertainment and video services.

The Berry Company, which handles ad sales in 800-plus print directories, will begin placing campaigns through Marchex Local search marketing platform. Marchex Local offers keyword and feed-based campaigns.

Miva promoted Chrysi Philalithes to VP of global marketing and communications. She was a founding member of Espotting, which joined with FindWhat to form what’s now Miva.

Nickelodeon promoted Steve Youngwood to EVP of Nickelodeon Digital Media. The post has daily oversight of Nick.com, Nicktoons.com, Nickjr.com, Noggin.com, The N.com and GoCityKids.com. He was formerly SVP of entertainment products.

NBC Universal Television Networks chose Falk’s AdSolution platform to handle its online ad management.

WebEx tapped StrongMail for marketing email delivery. The company will integrate StrongMail’s platform with its own marketing automation

EmailLabs added 167 new clients last year. They included Olympus America, Life Fitness, Trek Bicycle Corporation, Steve Madden and Gulfstream.