ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 23, 2026) -- Westgate Resorts today announced the appointments of Kim Tankersley as General Manager of Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa in Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Tanner Newton as General Manager of Westgate Branson Lakes Resort in Branson, Mo.
The appointments reflect Westgate’s continued commitment to strengthening resort leadership and positioning its properties for sustained growth and operational excellence.
“Kim and Tanner are accomplished hospitality leaders who bring valuable experience, strong operational expertise and a shared passion for creating exceptional experiences,” said Peter Gianini, Senior Vice President of Resort Operations for Westgate Resorts. “Their proven leadership and commitment to Owners, guests and Team Members make them tremendous additions to our resort teams.”
Tankersley brings more than 26 years of hospitality and vacation ownership leadership experience to Westgate. Throughout his career, he has led large resort operations for the Club Wyndham and Travel + Leisure Co. timeshare business, including flagship properties in the Smoky Mountains, Myrtle Beach and Branson, and helped open more than 13 resorts across the country. He also served as an Area Vice President for Capital Vacations, overseeing resorts throughout the Midwest.
His professional accomplishments include a nomination for the American Resort Development Association’s General Manager of the Year award, an ARDA award recognizing environmental sustainability initiatives and multiple selections to Club Wyndham’s Presidents Club as a top sales and operations partner.
Featuring nearly 1,400 mountainside villas located adjacent to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is the largest resort in East Tennessee.
Newton joins Westgate following a distinguished career with Marriott Vacations Worldwide, where he held a variety of leadership roles across the country, including resorts in Hilton Head, S.C., Phoenix, and Branson. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence, Team Member engagement and creating memorable vacation experiences.
His extensive timeshare industry knowledge, leadership experience and results-oriented approach will support the continued success of Westgate Branson Lakes Resort and further strengthen Westgate’s presence in the Branson market.
For more information, visit WestgateResorts.com. To join the Westgate team, visit careers.westgateresorts.com.
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ABOUT WESTGATE RESORTS
Westgate Resorts is a diversified hospitality company headquartered in Orlando, Fla., featuring the largest privately held timeshare resort club in the world and a portfolio of nearly 60 resort properties. The company offers spacious villa accommodations, world-class amenities, and family-friendly destinations in sought-after locations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Park City, Myrtle Beach, and now Bimini in The Bahamas, Westgate's first Caribbean destination. In 2025, the company expanded its footprint with the addition of VI Resorts by Westgate, enhancing its presence in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Since its founding in 1982, Westgate has focused on creating memorable vacations and delivering exceptional service, while maintaining a commitment to innovation, hospitality, and community engagement. Whether guests are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, the company’s 9,000 Team Members provide personalized and value-driven getaways tailored to every traveler’s needs. Exclusive vacation packages can be found at WestgateReservations.com. Connect with Westgate Resorts on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook and learn more at WestgateResorts.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
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Steven Goldsmith Vice President, Communications and Public Relations Orlando, FL