Westgate Resorts announces new leadership appointments

The company stated that the new organizational updates will position Westgate for growth in 2025 and beyond.
Key Points
- Mitch Less has been appointed as COO, while John Willman and Jared Saft were promoted to CFO and Chief Business & Strategy Officer, respectively
- CEO Jim Gissy stated that these individuals will also be looked upon to mentor the next generation of Westgate leaders
Westgate Resorts has made a number of new leadership appointments and promotions, including naming Mitch Less to the role of COO as well as promoting John Willman and Jared Saft to the roles of CFO and Chief Business & Strategy Officer, respectively.
The company stated that these new organizational updates will help to better position Westgate for growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
“This year will be a year marked by growth and strategic investments,” Westgate Resorts CEO Jim Gissy said.
“We’re excited to introduce these new leaders who will enable our business to scale and deliver the best possible experience for our owners and guests. These same individuals will also mentor the next generation of leaders within our organization.”
Less will oversee operations, food & beverage, IT, risk management and several other critical areas while working directly with company leadership. He has previously served as a Partner at Grant Thornton, also working for brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Marriott and Hilton.
Willman has played a role in transforming Westgate’s finance operations, including overseeing its financial reporting and loan portfolio. In his new role, he will continue to lead mortgage operations, accounts services and financial planning & analysis, focused on supporting the company’s expansion plans.
Good to know: Jay Kornegay announced his retirement from the role of VP of Operations at Westgate SuperBook on November 22, 2024
Having played a key role in developing Westgate’s loyalty program, Saft will continue to lead marketing, hotel sales, product development and owner services, while also overseeing the company’s long-term growth strategy as Chief Business & Strategy Officer.
In other promotions made by Westgate, Dana Wadsworth will become Chief of Staff and SVP of VOA, the company’s timeshare trial program. Garrett Stump was promoted to SVP of Owner Services & Inventory Management, while Chad Severance was named SVP of Development & Design.
Finally, Alex Velazquez is now SVP of Digital Marketing & Creative Services, with Heather Tritchel and Sam King promoted to SVPs of Speciality Marketing. Promoting a fellow duo to Co-VPs of Real Estate, David and Daniel Siegel will now oversee large land holdings Westgate can use for future developments.
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