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JLL has announced the appointment of Gaurav Sharma as Managing Director, Hotels India, and Senior Director, Hotels Capital Markets Asia, a move that reflects the firm’s growing focus on India’s fast-evolving hospitality sector. Based in Delhi, Gaurav will lead JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group across India and report to Nihat Ercan, CEO of JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group for Asia Pacific.
With nearly 20 years of experience in real estate and hospitality investment, Gaurav brings a rare combination of financial insight and operational acumen to the table. Over the years, he has steered large-scale hotel transactions, led asset acquisitions, and managed diverse portfolios that delivered consistent, long-term growth. His background includes leadership roles at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and SAMHI Hotels Ltd., where he played a key role in driving strategic expansion and asset performance.
Gaurav’s appointment comes at a defining moment for India’s hospitality sector. As business travel returns, domestic tourism expands, and global brands increase their presence, the hotel industry has entered a new phase of growth. According to JLL data, India’s hospitality sector recorded a 10.5% year-on-year rise in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) this year, alongside a significant jump in new hotel signings.
“The sector is seeing renewed investor confidence and a steady rise in capital flows,” said a JLL spokesperson. “Gaurav’s leadership will help us strengthen our advisory and investment capabilities to meet this growing demand.”
In his new role, Gaurav will focus on driving hotel investments, asset sales, capital markets transactions, and strategic advisory services across key cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. He will also work closely with JLL’s global teams to connect Indian opportunities with international capital—helping investors tap into the country’s vibrant hospitality story.
Having started his career in finance, Gaurav holds a Master’s in Finance (MFC) and is a CFA charterholder. This strong analytical grounding has shaped his approach to investment and asset management, blending financial discipline with a deep understanding of operational dynamics. Colleagues describe him as a “strategic thinker with a pragmatic style”—someone who can balance numbers with narrative, ensuring that every investment decision aligns with long-term value creation.
Reflecting on his new role, Gaurav said, “India’s hospitality industry is at an inflection point. As travel demand continues to rise and global investors look toward India, there’s tremendous potential to build assets that are both profitable and sustainable. I’m excited to return to JLL at this transformative time.”
For JLL, his return marks a strengthening of the firm’s senior leadership bench in Asia. Nihat Ercan, CEO of JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific, added, “Gaurav’s deep market knowledge and transaction experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand our hotel capital markets business across Asia. His leadership will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients and investors.”
Under Gaurav’s guidance, JLL aims to further expand its presence in India’s hospitality investment ecosystem, advising developers, operators, and investors on emerging opportunities. With sustainability and innovation now central to the sector’s evolution, JLL’s strategy will emphasize building resilient, future-ready hotel portfolios that balance performance with purpose.
As India cements its position as one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets, Gaurav Sharma’s appointment positions JLL to play a leading role in shaping its next phase of growth—connecting capital, creativity, and capability across borders.
