Rick Watson also worked for e-commerce services provider ChannelAdvisor.By Thad RueterE-commerce software provider Merchantry has hired the former manager of the online marketplace operated by Barnes & Noble Inc., No. 32 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide.Rick Watson becomes Merchantry’s vice president of operations. The company hosts software that enables companies to build online marketplaces.Between February 2011 and August 2012, Watson was general manager, marketplace, for Barnes & Noble. He’s also worked as an e-commerce consultant and held several positions, including director of engineering, at ChannelAdvisor Inc., which helps retailers sell on such online marketplaces as Amazon and eBay“Rick is a strong addition to Merchantry and makes this team one of the most experienced in the area of online marketplaces,” says Tommaso Trionfi, CEO of Merchantry. “He has seen the e-commerce industry from all sides and is uniquely qualified to help us lead the evolution of our industry. As more organizations turn to us to help them build online marketplaces, I will rely heavily on Rick to lead the operational aspects of our business.”