A Transformational Year for Westgate Resorts: Growth, Momentum, and a New Operational Era

The past twelve months have marked one of the most consequential periods in the history of Westgate Resorts. In an industry defined by evolution, shifting owner expectations, operational complexity, and heightened competition, Westgate has emerged not only resilient, but resurgent. Strategic expansion, new partnerships, and a sharpened focus on the owner and guest experience have reshaped the company’s trajectory, culminating in a defining leadership milestone, the appointment of Jared Saft as Chief Operating Officer.

For the largest privately held timeshare and vacation experience company in the world, the moment reflects more than an executive transition. It signals the arrival of a new operational chapter built on scale, discipline, and long-term vision, as Westgate continues to evolve into a more diversified and sophisticated hospitality organization.

A Year Defined by Expansion and Strategic Reach

Westgate’s recent momentum has been driven by sustained growth across multiple fronts. Central to that growth was the integration of VI Resorts, which significantly expanded Westgate’s geographic profile. With the addition of the VI Resorts by Westgate portfolio, the company grew its footprint to nearly 60 properties across premier leisure destinations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This expansion broadened Westgate’s reach, diversified its owner base, and strengthened its position in both established and emerging vacation markets.

The acquisition reflected a long-term strategy focused on thoughtful scale, ensuring growth that aligns operationally and culturally with the broader Westgate brand.

At the same time, Westgate continued to invest in resort level enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience. New amenities such as the Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience and River Country Water Park underscored a broader commitment to family friendly entertainment, on-site engagement, and immersive vacation environments. These enhancements reinforce Westgate’s reputation for delivering experiences that extend well beyond accommodations alone.

Continued Investment in Key Growth Markets

One of the most visible examples of Westgate’s sustained expansion can be found in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Over multiple phases, Westgate has continued to expand and enhance its Smoky Mountain Resort, which at 1,400 rooms today is the largest in eastern Tennessee, adding new accommodations and amenities that have reinforced its position as one of the most comprehensive resort destinations in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge region.

The continued development in Gatlinburg reflects strong demand for family oriented, experience driven mountain destinations. With its proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a broad mix of lodging, recreation, and entertainment offerings, the resort has become a cornerstone market within Westgate’s national portfolio and a model for destination scale.

Partnerships That Redefined Possibility

Another defining characteristic of Westgate’s extraordinary year has been its embrace of strategic partnerships. Collaborations with globally recognized brands such as Chuck E. Cheese and Choice Hotels reflect a forward-thinking approach to hospitality, blending vacation ownership with entertainment, loyalty, and expanded distribution.

The partnership with Choice Hotels, in particular, broadened Westgate’s access to a wider reservation ecosystem, creating new pathways for guest discovery while reinforcing operational scale. Together, these partnerships demonstrate Westgate’s willingness to rethink traditional timeshare boundaries and position itself at the intersection of hospitality, lifestyle, and experience driven travel.

Leadership for a More Complex Organization

As Westgate’s scale and sophistication have increased, so too has the importance of experienced and disciplined operational leadership. That reality made the appointment of Jared Saft as Chief Operating Officer both timely and strategic.

A 20-year Westgate veteran, Saft brings deep institutional knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the business. Over the course of his career, he has held senior leadership roles across finance, operations, and sales and marketing, experience that has prepared him to oversee companywide resort and business operations at a moment of unprecedented growth.

Saft’s appointment also carries personal and cultural significance, coming one year after the passing of Westgate founder David Siegel in 2025. Reflecting on that legacy, Saft has spoken about the lasting influence Siegel had on his life and career.

“This moment is not about me. It is about Westgate’s founder David Siegel,” Saft said after his new role was announced. “I met David in 2005 and came to work for him in 2006. When I met him back then, it would have been impossible to predict the path my life would take or the bond that grew between us over nearly two decades. David left us, but I am constantly reminded of the opportunities he created for so many people like myself. I will strive to do the same for others in his memory.”

As Chief Operating Officer, Saft now assumes responsibility for all companywide resort and business operations, along with guiding the strategic direction of Westgate’s primary expansion initiatives. His focus will be on operational consistency across a growing portfolio while continuing to innovate around owner satisfaction, team member engagement, and long-term value creation.

The transition also reflects leadership continuity. Former Chief Operating Officer Mitch Less has moved into a new executive role at parent company Central Florida Investments, ensuring institutional insight remains deeply embedded.

An Industry Voice with Operational Credibility

Beyond Westgate, Saft’s leadership extends to the broader timeshare and vacation ownership industry. Currently serving as Chair Elect of the American Resort Development Association, he is set to assume the role of Chair later this year, placing him at the forefront of industry advocacy during a pivotal period.
For Westgate, Saft’s industry involvement reinforces a philosophy grounded not only in internal performance, but in stewardship of the sector as a whole.

A Defining Moment

For Westgate Resorts, the past twelve months have been about more than growth. They have been about transformation. Expansion, partnerships, destination investment, and leadership evolution have reshaped the company’s scale and ambition. As Westgate looks ahead, it does so with momentum, clarity, and continuity, hallmarks of a company actively defining what comes next for the timeshare industry.