The Piacente Group Inc. has announced that TPG has appointed investor relations expert, Laurie W. Little as Senior Vice President. With more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications, analysis, institutional marketing and financial media relations for high profile companies, Little will focus on managing and executing strategic IR programs for TPG's U.S. practice, as well as providing strategic oversight for TPG's China practice. Little joins TPG from Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. where she was responsible for developing and managing the company's global communications program, including investor relations, public relations, internal communications, government affairs and Valeant's philanthropic efforts. Prior to Valeant, Little was at SICOR Inc., Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. and PacifiCare Health Systems where she led the companies' investor and corporate communications efforts. She was also previously an Instructor at the University of California, Irvine, teaching courses in investor relations. Little is a member of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) and served on the Senior Roundtable Steering Committee and on the Board for the Orange County Chapter for several years.