JLL India Welcomes Gaurav Sharma as Head of Hotels & Hospitality Business

JLL India Welcomes Gaurav Sharma as Head of Hotels & Hospitality Business

By Hariharan U

Published on November 6, 2025

JLL India has announced the appointment of Gaurav Sharma as Head of the Hotels & Hospitality Group for India and Senior Director, Hotel Capital Markets, Asia. In his new role, Sharma will lead JLL’s hospitality practice across India, drawing on nearly two decades of experience in real estate and hospitality investments to strengthen the firm’s leadership in this fast-growing sector.

Based in Delhi, Sharma will report directly to Nihat Ercan, CEO of JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific. His appointment also marks a return to JLL India, where he previously led capital markets for North India between 2006 and 2012.

The move comes at an exciting time for India’s hospitality industry, which continues to post impressive growth. According to JLL’s latest analysis, the country’s hotel sector recorded a 10.5% year-over-year increase in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) as of YTD September 2025, following a record-breaking 2024 that saw over 42,000 new keys and approximately 25 major investment transactions.

Development activity also remains strong, with 182 hotel signings totalling 22,469 keys in the first half of 2025 — a 16% rise compared to the same period last year. Notably, over 70% of new projects were signed in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, highlighting the sector’s diversification beyond traditional metro markets.

Commenting on the appointment, Nihat Ercan said, “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.”

In his extended role in hotel capital markets across Asia, Sharma will also focus on strategic transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and platform deals, leveraging his vast experience in structuring complex hospitality investments.

Sharma brings a proven track record of success, having spent nearly 20 years driving strategic growth and operational excellence in the real estate and hotel investment space. Most recently, he served as Vice President – Real Estate, Head of Asset Management and M&A at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), where he oversaw key initiatives across the company’s extensive portfolio.

Before joining IHCL, Sharma played a pivotal role at SAMHI Hotels Ltd, serving as Vice President – Head of Investments for over a decade. During his tenure from 2012 to 2022, he was instrumental in shaping SAMHI’s hotel portfolio and leading multiple high-value transactions.

With his return, JLL India strengthens its leadership in the hospitality domain, aligning its strategy with the sector’s strong growth momentum and expanding investment opportunities across the country and the wider Asia-Pacific region.


Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Conrad Pune has announced the appointment of Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager, reinforcing its leadership team in operations and guest experience.

With over 12 years of experience across multiple properties within Hilton, Subhadeep brings deep expertise in guest services, team leadership, and operational excellence. In his most recent role, he managed front office and health club operations in a high-volume MICE environment, where he drove improvements in loyalty engagement, guest satisfaction scores, and online reputation rankings.

His career includes key roles at leading Hilton properties such as DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru, Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum, and Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, building a strong foundation in operational standards and cross-functional leadership.

In his new role at Conrad Pune, Subhadeep will oversee Rooms Division along with Wellness and Leisure operations, focusing on strengthening day-to-day efficiencies and enhancing guest satisfaction. His responsibilities will span the hotel’s 351 rooms, dining outlets, meeting spaces, and lifestyle facilities, ensuring seamless and consistent service delivery.

Sharing his thoughts, Subhadeep expressed enthusiasm about joining the property, highlighting his focus on collaboration, empathy, and team-driven leadership to create meaningful guest and colleague experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, noted that Subhadeep’s operational expertise and people-first approach will play a key role in further elevating the hotel’s service standards.

This appointment reflects Conrad Pune’s continued focus on strengthening leadership capabilities while delivering refined and consistent luxury hospitality experiences.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has announced the appointment of Vikas Ravi Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations, further strengthening its operational leadership.

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vikas brings a strong mix of reservations expertise, operational efficiency, and guest-focused service. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s reservations function, focusing on optimising booking channels, improving forecasting accuracy, and enhancing overall reservation performance.

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Janve, General Manager, highlighted that Vikas’s understanding of reservation systems and ability to drive efficiency make him a valuable addition to the team.

Prior to joining the Mahabaleshwar property, Vikas was associated with Fairfield by Marriott Calangute, where he served as Assistant Manager – Reservations. During his tenure, he managed individual and group bookings, monitored room inventory, and collaborated closely with sales and front office teams. He also contributed to reservation reporting, booking trend analysis, and revenue optimisation strategies.

He began his journey at the same property as a Reservation Executive, where he played a key role in streamlining processes and improving operational efficiency. His earlier experience includes roles at The Fern Residency and Le Méridien Nagpur, where he developed a strong foundation in front office operations and guest relations.

Speaking on his new role, Vikas expressed enthusiasm about joining the team and contributing to seamless reservation experiences while maintaining high service standards.

Recognised for his consistent performance, he has received multiple accolades, including Employee of the Month and Associate of the Month awards. With proficiency in systems such as Opera, Marsha, and HPP, along with a strong analytical approach, he is well-positioned to further enhance the hotel’s reservations operations.


Foodlink Global Appoints Jayved Kumar as Head Chef in Dubai

Foodlink Global Appoints Jayved Kumar as Head Chef in Dubai

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Foodlink Global has announced the appointment of Jayved Kumar as Head Chef, reinforcing its culinary leadership in the Middle East region.

With over 15 years of experience, Chef Jayved brings a strong foundation in modern Indian cuisine, kitchen operations, and team leadership. Known for his ability to blend traditional flavours with contemporary techniques, he has built a reputation for delivering consistent quality across large-scale operations.

Prior to this role, he served as Unit Chef at PINCODE Restaurant by Chef Kunal Kapur, where he played a key role in menu innovation and guest satisfaction. His professional journey also includes tenures with Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. and Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, where he gained extensive experience in menu development, vendor management, and operational efficiency.

In his new role at Foodlink Global, Chef Jayved will oversee kitchen operations across Dubai, focusing on menu innovation, maintaining global hygiene and safety standards, and enhancing overall dining experiences. His expertise spans curry and tandoor specialities, fusion cuisine, and large-scale kitchen administration, supported by strong knowledge of HACCP compliance and quality audits.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Jayved expressed enthusiasm about joining the brand, highlighting his intent to create innovative dining experiences that combine traditional Indian flavours with modern presentation and techniques.

This strategic appointment underscores Foodlink Global’s commitment to strengthening its culinary excellence and expanding its presence in the competitive Middle East hospitality landscape.

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