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It seems like Amazon is trying to brush up its online ad business skills as it has recently hired an experienced ad exec. Lisa Utzschneider, who was working as a General Manager, sales, for Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions groups since last 10 years is expected to join Internet Tycoon as a senior vice president of national ad sales.

According to NYP, some emails from unknown sources have disclosed her departure news from MS, though Amazon has not said any official word about her hiring as a SVP yet. Being a part of MS for a decade, Lisa had worked hard and contributed a lot to help Microsoft in expanding its online ad business by making and planning strategies to satisfy and attract MS’ well known brand advertisers.

The new senior hiring clearly depicts that Amazon is planning to mark its nail in the online advertising business. The Seattle based company has jumped into the online ad business few years ago, facing some popular old players such as Google and Yahoo.

In the past few years, Amazon has never disclosed its ad revenue but it is expected to be a small fraction of its annual sales. The hiring unleashes that Amazon is trying to earn more green bucks by expanding its online ad business. Amazon already sells displays ads on the site it owns such as IMDB.com, Askville.com and DPreview.com. Stifel Nicolaus analyst Scott Devitt said:

"The company from an ad standpoint has gotten more aggressive with allowing external third-parties to advertise within Amazon.com in a way that doesn’t interrupt the customer experience"

While the slow growth of the Internet ad revenue can also give it a hard pill to swallow. But Analysts still find scope in the online ad business and Amazon is strictly following their advice; by hiring new blood and by allowing third parties advertisements.

Utzschneider joining as SVP will definitely help the company to boost its online ad market fidelity, while her departure is quiet alarming for Microsoft. Microsoft has already experienced a prominent departure of Kevin Johnson, who was a President of its Platforms and Services division. The recent loss of Utzschneider can put MS in hot waters.