Westgate Resorts Appoints New COO, Announces Executive Leadership Changes

Jared Saft named Chief Operating Officer as company continues expansion and growth

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Westgate Resorts, the largest privately held timeshare and vacation experience company, announced that 20-year Westgate veteran Jared Saft has been appointed as the company's new Chief Operating Officer. Saft has held leadership roles across finance, operations, and sales and marketing, and will now be responsible for all companywide resort and business operations as well as guiding strategic direction and management of Westgate's expansion projects. The company also announced that Mitch Less has assumed a new executive role at parent company Central Florida Investments.

Why it matters

Westgate Resorts has experienced significant growth in recent years, including international expansion, nearly tripling its resort portfolio, and strategic partnerships. Saft's appointment as COO and the leadership changes at the parent company level signal Westgate's continued focus on operational excellence and growth as it looks to the future.

The details

Jared Saft, a 20-year Westgate veteran, has been appointed as the company's new Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he will be responsible for all companywide resort and business operations, as well as guiding the strategic direction and management of Westgate's primary expansion projects. Saft has held leadership positions across finance, operations, and sales and marketing, and most recently played a key role in the addition of VI Resorts, which expanded the company to nearly 60 resorts. He also currently serves as the Chair-Elect of ARDA, the American Resort Development Association, and will become Chair of the industry association in May.

  • Jared Saft has been appointed as Westgate Resorts' new Chief Operating Officer.
  • Mitch Less has assumed a new executive role at parent company Central Florida Investments.

The players

Jared Saft

A 20-year Westgate veteran who has been appointed as the company's new Chief Operating Officer. He has held leadership positions across finance, operations, and sales and marketing, and will now be responsible for all companywide resort and business operations as well as guiding strategic direction and management of Westgate's expansion projects.

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.

Jim Gissy

Chief Executive Officer of Westgate Resorts.

ARDA

The American Resort Development Association, an industry association that Jared Saft currently serves as Chair-Elect and will become Chair of in May.

Central Florida Investments

The parent company of Westgate Resorts.

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What they’re saying

“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. I'm confident he will continue to strengthen our operations and culture as we grow.”

— Jim Gissy, Chief Executive Officer of Westgate Resorts (businessinsider.com)

“Over the past year, Mitch has played an important role in accelerating operational improvements and helping position Westgate for long-term success. As we move into our next phase of growth, his experience and strategic insight will be invaluable to me.”

— Jim Gissy, Chief Executive Officer of Westgate Resorts (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

Jared Saft will become Chair of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) in May.

The takeaway

Westgate Resorts' appointment of Jared Saft as COO and the leadership changes at the parent company level demonstrate the company's continued focus on operational excellence and growth as it expands its portfolio of resorts and amenities both domestically and internationally.