Westgate Resorts appoint new general managers at Smoky Mountain and Branson Lakes Resort

Westgate Resorts today announced the appointments of Kim Tankersley as General Manager of Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa in Gatlinburg, TN, 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.

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Newton, Tankersley (Photos submitted)

“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.