Westgate Resorts names 20-year Westgate veteran Jared Saft as the company’s chief operating officer. Saft brings a diverse set of experiences to the role, having held leadership positions across finance, operations and sales and marketing, according to Westgate.
Most recently, he played a key role in the addition of VI Resorts which expanded the company to nearly 60 resorts and spearheaded the company’s partnerships with both Chuck E. Cheese and Choice Hotels. Saft also currently serves as the chair-elect of ARDA, the American Resort Development Association, and will become chair of the industry association in May.
As chief operating officer, Saft will be responsible for all companywide resort and business operations in addition to guiding the strategic direction and management of Westgate Resorts’ primary expansion projects.
“Jared’s deep institutional knowledge, operational expertise, and ability to connect with team members across the organization make him uniquely qualified to step into this role,” Westgate CEO Jim Gissy said in a statement. “I’m confident he will continue to strengthen our operations and culture as we grow.”
Former COO Mitch Less has assumed a new executive role at parent company Central Florida Investments, where he will report to CEO Jim Gissy and continue to help the company evaluate new business opportunities at the parent company.
“Over the past year, Mitch has played an important role in accelerating operational improvements and helping position Westgate for long-term success,” said Gissy. “As we move into our next phase of growth, his experience and strategic insight will be invaluable to me.”
These leadership updates follow a period of significant expansion for Westgate Resorts, including international growth into Canada and Mexico, a near tripling of its resort portfolio to nearly 60 properties, the addition of new amenities such as the Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience and River Country Water Park, and strategic partnerships with Chuck E. Cheese and Choice Hotels.