JLL India Appoints Gaurav Sharma to Lead Hotels & Hospitality Business
A veteran in real estate and hospitality investments, Gaurav Sharma brings more than 20 years of strategic leadership to steer JLL India’s Hotels & Hospitality business amid the sector’s rapid transformation. In this strategic role, he will lead the company’s hospitality practice across the Indian market, leveraging his extensive experience to capitalise on emerging opportunities in India’s rapidly evolving hotel and hospitality sector.
By SOH Edit Team
Global real estate services firm JLL has announced the appointment of Gaurav Sharma as Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group, India, and Senior Director, Hotel Capital Markets, Asia. With nearly two decades of experience in real estate and hospitality investment, Gaurav will lead JLL’s hospitality practice across India, focusing on growth, strategic advisory, and capital market opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic hotel markets.
Gaurav’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for India’s hospitality sector, which continues to demonstrate strong fundamentals. According to JLL analysis, Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) rose 10.5% year-on-year as of September 2025, building on a record 2024 that saw 42,000 new keys and 25 major investment transactions.
The momentum continues in 2025, with 182 hotel signings totalling 22,469 keys in the first half of the year—a 16% increase over 2024. Notably, over 70% of new projects are emerging in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, signalling a shift beyond traditional hospitality hubs.
Investor confidence remains robust, driven by high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and private hotel owners, who accounted for 51% of 2024’s transaction volume, followed by listed hotel companies (34%). JLL forecasts total transaction volume to reach USD 450 million in 2025, with activity expected to surpass USD 1 billion by 2028.
Gaurav Sharma, Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group, India, and Senior Director, Hotel Capital Markets, Asia.
Strategic Role Across India and Asia
In his expanded regional role, Gaurav will also contribute to Hotel Capital Markets across Asia, leveraging his extensive M&A and platform experience to facilitate cross-border transactions and investment partnerships.
“Gaurav’s appointment underscores JLL’s commitment to deepening our hospitality expertise in India,” said Nihat Ercan, CEO, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific. “His comprehensive understanding of both domestic and international markets, coupled with a proven transaction track record, positions him perfectly to guide clients through India’s next phase of hospitality growth.”
A Proven Track Record in Hospitality Investments
Gaurav joins JLL from The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), where he served as Vice President – Real Estate, Head of Asset Management and M&A, leading strategic initiatives across the group’s hospitality portfolio.
Before IHCL, he spent over a decade as Vice President – Head of Investments at SAMHI Hotels Ltd (2012–2022), where he played a pivotal role in building SAMHI’s hotel portfolio, executing landmark transactions, and driving sustainable asset growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Gaurav said: “I’m delighted to return to JLL and contribute to expanding our hospitality practice in India. The sector presents tremendous growth opportunities, and I look forward to helping clients unlock value and navigate evolving market dynamics with strategic precision.”
Expanding JLL’s Hospitality Footprint in India
JLL continues to strengthen its hospitality presence across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, with a focus on advisory excellence and investor confidence. Gaurav’s leadership reinforces the firm’s long-term commitment to India’s rapidly growing hotel and hospitality ecosystem, positioning JLL at the forefront of industry transformation.