- University of Central Florida
1982-1986
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Prior to joining Westgate, Less served as an Audit Partner at Grant Thornton, advising major hospitality and real estate brands, including Marriott, Hilton and Ritz-Carlton. Further, he supported franchise operations for leading restaurant chains such as Burger King and Wendy’s, while also providing financial counsel to Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, a $27bn enterprise. Less currently chairs the Audit and Compliance Committee for Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Less has led large-scale operations, financial strategies and development initiatives throughout his career. At Westgate, he has help to improve operational efficiency and expand sustainability programs.
During his tenure at Grant Thornton, he advised Fortune 500 companies, executed multimillion-dollar acquisitions and supported franchise expansions. Less’ work with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits helped contribute to its growth as one of the largest family-owned businesses in the US.
EMPLOYMENT
Less began his career at Grant Thornton in 1986, where he served as an Audit Partner for over 35 years. Specialising in hospitality, real estate and timeshares, he provided financial oversight and strategic guidance to high-profile clients, including Marriott, Hilton and Ritz-Carlton.
Less played a key role in advising franchise operations across quick-service restaurant chains such as Popeyes, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Burger King, helping these businesses expand and optimise performance.
At Grant Thornton, Less also provided consulting services to Restaurant Services, Inc, the purchasing and logistics cooperative for Burger King, where he streamlined procurement processes and enhanced cost-efficiency.
During his career, he has advised The Related Group and Trammel Crow Residential, two of the largest residential developers in the US, on financial strategy, risk management and market expansion. His work with these organisations has contributed to multimillion-dollar acquisitions and development projects.
Further, Less also served as an external advisor for more than 30 years to Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, a $27bn enterprise and one of the largest family-owned businesses in the US. In this role, he guided governance frameworks, compliance strategies and financial operations, supporting the company’s growth and expansion across markets.
In addition to his work in hospitality and real estate, Less also provided financial counsel to two professional sports franchises, the Miami Marlins and the Florida Panthers. He played a strategic role in their financial planning and operations during successful, championship-winning periods for both teams.
In 2022, Less was appointed COO at Westgate Resorts, where he currently oversees multiple divisions, including Resort Operations, Information Technology and Risk Management. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the company’s operational capabilities, sustainability initiatives and service offerings.
In January 2025, Westgate Resorts announced a major restructuring of its executive leadership team to support long-term growth and development. As part of this restructure, Less’ role as COO was expanded to include oversight of resort operations, IT and risk management.
The restructuring is aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing financial performance and advancing marketing and development strategies.
Less brings extensive expertise in hospitality and real estate, having previously worked with brands like Marriott and Ritz-Carlton.
