Mumbai: JLL, a real estate professional services firm, today announced the appointment of Gaurav Sharma as Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group for India and Senior Director, Hotel Capital Markets, Asia.
In this strategic dual role, Sharma will oversee JLL’s hospitality practice across the Indian market, steering growth and strengthening advisory capabilities in one of the world’s fastest-expanding hospitality sectors. He will be based in Delhi and will report to Nihat Ercan, CEO, JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific.
Sharma’s appointment marks his return to JLL India, where he previously led Capital Markets for North India between 2006 and 2012. His return comes at a time when India’s hospitality sector is demonstrating remarkable momentum and attracting robust investor confidence.
According to JLL analysis, India’s hotel industry continues to perform strongly, with Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) up 10.5% year-over-year as of YTD September 2025, following record-breaking growth in 2024. The sector witnessed 182 hotel signings totaling 22,469 keys in the first half of 2025, a 16% increase year-on-year, reflecting strong development activity beyond traditional urban centers—over 70% of which came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Investment confidence also remains high, with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and private hotel owners contributing 51% of total transaction volume, followed by listed hotel companies at 34%. Total hotel transaction volume in 2025 is projected at USD 450 million, with JLL forecasting activity to reach USD 1 billion by 2028.
“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,” said Nihat Ercan, CEO, JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific. “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.”
With nearly two decades of experience in real estate and hospitality investment, Sharma has led large-scale transactions, asset acquisitions, and portfolio turnarounds that have consistently delivered sustainable growth. His expertise spans fundraising, asset management, project execution, and strategic leadership.
Most recently, Sharma served as Vice President – Real Estate, Head of Asset Management and M&A at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), where he oversaw strategic real estate initiatives across the group’s extensive portfolio. Before that, he was Vice President – Head of Investments at SAMHI Hotels Ltd, playing a pivotal role in building the company’s hotel portfolio from 2012 to 2022.
“I am excited to return to JLL and contribute to the continued expansion of our hospitality practice in India,” said Gaurav Sharma. “The Indian hospitality sector presents tremendous opportunities for growth, and I look forward to working with our clients to unlock value and navigate the evolving market dynamics with strategic precision.”
