Westgate Resorts has made a series of leadership appointments and executive promotions as part of a broader plan to position the company for future growth in 2025 and beyond.

“This year will be a year marked by growth and strategic investments,” said Jim Gissy, CEO, Westgate Resorts. “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.”

John Willman, a 30-year veteran of Westgate, has been promoted to CFO. Since joining the company in 1994, he has helped transform 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, focusing on building a finance function to support the company’s expansion plans.

Mitch Less has been appointed COO and oversee resort operations, food & beverage, IT, risk management and several other critical areas, working directly with company leadership to execute Westgate’s strategic business plan. He brings more than 35 years of industry experience, having served as a partner at Grant Thornton, where he specialized in the hospitality and real estate sectors. He has worked with brands like Ritz-Carlton, Marriott and Hilton, as well as with large family-owned businesses such as Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.

Jared Saft, an 18-year veteran of Westgate, has been promoted to chief business & strategy officer and will continue to lead marketing, hotel sales, product development and owner services, while also overseeing the company’s long-term growth strategy. In addition, he will also oversee Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and HR.

Dana Wadsworth, a 29-year veteran of Westgate, has been promoted to chief of staff, while also retaining her role as SVP, VOA, Westgate’s timeshare trial program.

Garrett Stump, a 24-year veteran of Westgate, has been promoted to SVP, owner services & inventory management. He will focus on enhancing customer service and expanding Westgate’s timeshare offerings, building on the success of the World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty Program.

Chad Severance now oversees Westgate’s development & design team as SVP. He has more than 25 years of experience in construction and development, with a background working at Disney, Universal Creative and Elite International.

Alex Velazquez has been promoted to SVP, digital marketing & creative services. His new role will focus on further integrating Westgate’s marketing and consumer engagement strategies.

Heather Tritchel and Sam King have been promoted to SVPs, specialty marketing. Both have long tenures at Westgate, with Tritchel having held key roles in marketing growth and King having led successful projects in the company’s specialty marketing and IT departments.

David Alexander Siegel and Daniel Siegel have been promoted to co-VPs of real estate. Both have successfully managed several major real estate investments for Westgate and are now tasked with growing this area of the business, including overseeing large land holdings for future development.

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