LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 12, 2011) - ­ Alain Piraux and Bruce Skidmore have filled two key roles on The Peabody Little Rock's executive committee, a select group of managers from various departments that helps govern the property's operations, performance and profitability. Piraux has been hired as the new director of food and beverage, and Skidmore has been selected as the new director of sales and marketing for The Peabody Little Rock.

"We are thrilled to have Alain and Bruce join our team at The Peabody Little Rock," said Monte Hansen, the hotel's general manager.  "I am confident their strategic, innovative and detail-oriented approach to the hospitality industry is what our hotel needs to maximize occupancy, revenue and quality guest experiences."

Piraux received his degree in management and culinary arts from Ecole of Hotellerie in Paris, France and went on to serve as executive assistant manager of food and beverage at four properties of The Ritz-Carlton chain. Prior to joining The Peabody family, Piraux was the executive assistant director of food and beverage at the Hilton Tysons Corner in McLean, Va. His vast experience ranges from executive chef and operation of food and beverage outlets to revenue management, sales and marketing strategies, and facilities renovations.

Skidmore has worked for Delaware North Companies, which manages large-scale resorts and hotels throughout the United States, and he was most recently the director of sales and marketing for the Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif. In his first year at the Queen Mary, Skidmore helped increased occupancy by 11 percent.  Prior to his work there, Skidmore developed a diverse base of experience in the hospitality industry, working for the Monterey County, Calif. and Mobile Bay, Ala. convention and visitors bureaus, Marriott/Renaissance Hotels and Resorts, and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Skidmore holds a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel, restaurant and institution management from Pennsylvania State University.

About The Peabody Little Rock
The Peabody Little Rock is a Four-Star, Four-Diamond, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence property within the portfolio of Peabody Hotel Group.  Located in the downtown River Market District, The Peabody Little Rock offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, elegant ballrooms and meeting spaces, and the world-famous Peabody Ducks.  For more information, visit peabodylittlerock.com.