BillionaireNet
Siegel
David Siegel
Rank #437
UNITED STATESFinance & InvestmentsHedge funds, Timeshares

David Siegel

Net Worth
$7.98B
0% (24h)
David Siegel (1935-2025) was an American businessman and philanthropist, best known as the founder of Westgate Resorts, the largest privately held timeshare company in the world. His source of wealth stemmed from his success in the finance and investment industry, primarily through his ventures in hedge funds and timeshares. His career began in real estate before pivoting to timeshare development in 1982, building Westgate Resorts into a vast empire with properties across the United States. Beyond his business achievements, Siegel was recognized for his philanthropy, particularly through the Victoria's Voice Foundation, which he established with his wife to combat the opioid epidemic after the death of their daughter.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

David Alan Siegel was born on May 3, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois. His family later moved to Miami, Florida. He graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1953 and briefly studied marketing and management at the University of Miami, but did not complete his degree.

Rise to Success

Siegel's career began in the real estate sector. In 1982, he founded Westgate Resorts in Kissimmee, Florida, with a vision to innovate in the timeshare industry. His leadership propelled Westgate Resorts to become the largest privately held timeshare company globally, with numerous properties across the United States, including the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Key Business Strategies

Siegel's business acumen was characterized by his aggressive expansion strategies and innovative approaches to timeshare models. He focused on acquiring prime real estate in popular vacation destinations and building a strong brand identity. His company employed thousands of people, contributing significantly to the economy of Central Florida.

Philanthropy

Following the death of his daughter Victoria due to an accidental drug overdose, Siegel and his wife Jackie established the Victoria's Voice Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about opioid abuse and providing support for addiction prevention efforts. In addition to his work with Victoria's Voice, Siegel and the Westgate Foundation have donated complimentary vacations to military veterans.

Career Timeline

2024

Stepped Down as CEO of Westgate Resorts

Handed off his title as CEO of Westgate Resorts to Jim Gissy.

2015

Co-founded Victoria's Voice Foundation

Established Victoria's Voice Foundation with his wife, after the death of their daughter, to combat the opioid crisis.

2000

Married Jackie Siegel

Married Jacqueline Mallery, also known as Jackie Siegel, with whom he had eight children.

1976

Co-founded Mystery Fun House

Co-founded the Orlando attraction which operated until 2001.

1982

Founded Westgate Resorts

Established Westgate Resorts, which grew into the largest privately held timeshare company in the world.

Philanthropic Impact

Health and Addiction$ unknown

Victoria's Voice Foundation

Dedicated to raising awareness about opioid abuse and providing support for addiction prevention efforts.

Community Support$1.5M (in grants)

Westgate Foundation

Distributed grants to community-focused organizations across the United States.

Military Support28,000+

Complimentary Vacations for Military Veterans

Donated over 28,000 complimentary vacations to members of the armed services.

Wealth Trajectory