Westgate Resorts Appoints New GMs in Tennessee and Missouri
Westgate Resorts has installed new general managers at two major regional properties, tapping seasoned timeshare veterans to lead operations.
The short answer
Westgate Resorts has appointed Kim Tankersley to lead Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park and Tanner Newton to manage Westgate Branson Lakes Resort. The two appointments place seasoned leadership over key regional operations in Tennessee and Missouri.
The short version
- Kim Tankersley takes over operations at the nearly 1,400-villa Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.
- Tanner Newton steps in as General Manager overseeing daily resort operations at Westgate Branson Lakes Resort.
- Westgate Resorts drew on 26 years of vacation ownership experience from Club Wyndham and Capital Vacations to fill the Smoky Mountain GM role.
Westgate Resorts has overhauled on-site executive leadership at two separate domestic properties by appointing Kim Tankersley as General Manager of Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park and Tanner Newton as General Manager of Westgate Branson Lakes Resort [[1], [2]]. These two distinct leadership moves place vacation ownership veterans in charge of regional operations across Tennessee and Missouri [[1], [2]].
Who is leading the Gatlinburg property?
Kim Tankersley has taken over as General Manager of Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as reported by eHotelier [2]. His role covers operations at the property, which is branded as Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park [2]. According to eHotelier, this appointment reflects the company’s push to strengthen resort leadership and position its portfolio for sustained growth and operational excellence [2]. Tankersley brings more than 26 years of hospitality and vacation ownership leadership experience to the position [2].
What operational scale does the Smoky Mountain resort represent?
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park stands as the largest resort in East Tennessee, according to eHotelier coverage [2]. The destination features nearly 1,400 mountainside villas located directly adjacent to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park [2]. Managing the resort requires running large-scale amenities alongside lodging units, including on-site water park operations and spa facilities [2].
What track record does Kim Tankersley bring to Westgate?
Tankersley previously led large resort operations across timeshare portfolios for Club Wyndham and Travel + Leisure Co., as detailed by eHotelier [2]. His background includes heading flagship properties in Branson, Myrtle Beach, and the Smoky Mountains, alongside helping open more than 13 resorts nationwide [2]. Tankersley also worked as Area Vice President for Capital Vacations, supervising properties across the Midwest [2]. His career includes an American Resort Development Association nomination for General Manager of the Year, an ARDA award for environmental sustainability initiatives, and repeat selections to Club Wyndham’s Presidents Club as a top sales and operations partner [2].
| Resort | Location | Appointed General Manager | Scope of Property / Operations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Kim Tankersley | Nearly 1,400 mountainside villas, water park, and spa adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park [2] |
| Westgate Branson Lakes Resort | Branson, Missouri | Tanner Newton | Lakeside resort operations, guest experience, and staff management [1] |
Who was selected to manage Westgate Branson Lakes Resort?
In a separate regional appointment, Tanner Newton has been named General Manager of Westgate Branson Lakes Resort, eHotelier reported [1]. Newton assumes responsibility for directing all daily operations at the lakeside Missouri destination [1]. His direct mandate covers staff management, resort operational performance, and guest experience initiatives across the property [1].
How do these two leadership announcements connect?
While announced through separate operational developments, both appointments show Westgate Resorts resetting leadership at established drive-to vacation ownership destinations [[1], [2]]. The company has assigned experienced timeshare leaders to drive operational performance in both the Great Smoky Mountains and the Ozarks [[1], [2]].
Reported by
This article was written from the following reporting. Follow the links for the original coverage.
- [1]Westgate Names Tanner Newton as Branson Lakes Resort GM— eHotelier
- [2]Westgate Names Kim Tankersley GM of Smoky Mountain Resort— eHotelier
Frequently asked
+Who was appointed General Manager at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort?
Westgate Resorts appointed Kim Tankersley as General Manager of Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, putting an executive with over 26 years of vacation ownership experience in charge of the property.
+Who is the new General Manager at Westgate Branson Lakes Resort?
Tanner Newton was appointed as the General Manager of Westgate Branson Lakes Resort, where he will oversee daily operations, guest experience programs, and team management at the lakeside facility.
+How large is Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park?
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is the largest resort in East Tennessee, featuring nearly 1,400 mountainside villas adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
+What previous companies did Kim Tankersley work for?
Tankersley previously led large timeshare resort operations for Club Wyndham and Travel + Leisure Co., and served as an Area Vice President overseeing Midwest operations for Capital Vacations.
+How many resort openings has Kim Tankersley assisted with?
Throughout his 26-year career in hospitality and vacation ownership, Tankersley has helped open more than 13 resorts across the country.
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