JLL India Appoints Gaurav Sharma to Lead Hotels & Hospitality Business
Gaurav Sharma, with nearly 20 years of experience in real estate and hospitality investment, has been appointed as the head of JLL India's Hotels & Hospitality group and senior director of Hotel Capital Markets, Asia.
Real EstateHospitalityJll IndiaGaurav SharmaHotel InvestmentReal EstateNov 04, 2025
Sharma will be based out of Delhi and will report to Nihat Ercan, CEO of JLL’s Hotel & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific. Sharma’s appointment marks his return to JLL India, where he previously led capital markets for north India from 2006 to 2012. His reappointment comes at a pivotal time as India’s hospitality sector demonstrates exceptional growth momentum.
According to JLL analysis, the hotel sector in India has delivered outstanding performance with Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) surging 10.5 percent year-over-year as of YTD September 2025. This builds on 2024’s record-breaking achievements, which included over 42,071 new keys and approximately 25 significant investment transactions. The robust trajectory is evidenced by unprecedented development activity, with 182 hotel signings totaling 22,469 keys in the first half of 2025, a jump of 16 percent from the same time last year. This growth is further reinforced by the sector's strategic expansion beyond traditional urban centers, with more than 70% of new signings concentrated in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
Gaurav’s appointment reinforces JLL’s commitment to strengthening our hospitality expertise in India, and it’s particularly meaningful to have him return to the JLL family. His deep understanding of both domestic and international hospitality markets, coupled with his exceptional transaction experience, positions him perfectly to guide our clients through India’s hospitality sector. His return also signifies JLL’s continued investment in India’s booming hotel industry, as we build on our presence with dedicated hospitality expertise across our three key offices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, said Ercan.
Sharma brings with him nearly 20 years of distinguished experience in real estate and hospitality investment, having spearheaded high-value transactions, asset acquisitions, and portfolio turnarounds that consistently drive sustainable growth. His proven track record spans fundraising, asset management, project execution, and organizational leadership, combining financial precision with visionary strategic execution.
Most recently, he served as vice president - Real Estate, Head Asset Management and M&A at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), where he led strategic initiatives across the company's real estate portfolio. Prior to this, he spent over a decade as vice president - Head of Investments at SAMHI Hotels Ltd, where he was instrumental in building SAMHI’s hotel portfolio from 2012-2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gaurav Sharma?
Gaurav Sharma is a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years of experience in real estate and hospitality investment. He has been appointed as the head of JLL India's Hotels & Hospitality group and senior director of Hotel Capital Markets, Asia.
What is JLL’s role in the hospitality sector?
JLL is a leading real estate services firm that provides comprehensive services in the hospitality sector, including asset management, investment transactions, and strategic advisory. They have a strong presence in India and are committed to strengthening their expertise in the market.
What are the current trends in India's hotel sector?
India's hotel sector is experiencing robust growth with a 10.5 percent year-over-year increase in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) as of YTD September 2025. There has been significant development activity, with 182 hotel signings totaling 22,469 keys in the first half of 2025, a 16 percent jump from the same period last year.
What was Gaurav Sharma’s previous role?
Prior to his appointment at JLL, Gaurav Sharma served as vice president - Real Estate, Head Asset Management and M&A at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). He has also held the position of vice president - Head of Investments at SAMHI Hotels Ltd.
How will Gaurav Sharma contribute to JLL’s growth in India?
Gaurav Sharma’s deep understanding of both domestic and international hospitality markets, coupled with his exceptional transaction experience, will position him to guide JLL’s clients through India’s rapidly evolving hospitality sector. His appointment signifies JLL’s continued investment in India’s booming hotel industry.
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