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.

SpiceJet has announced the appointment of former IndiGo executive Sanjay Kumar as its Executive Director, effective November 3, 2025. Kumar, who brings over three decades of experience in the aviation industry, will lead the airline’s strategic initiatives focused on expansion, operational excellence, and business transformation. He will report directly to Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh.

Welcoming the appointment, Ajay Singh said, “We are delighted to welcome Sanjay back to the SpiceJet family. His deep understanding of the aviation business and proven leadership will be invaluable as we chart a new course for SpiceJet. With his strategic insights and executional strength, we are confident of accelerating our growth journey and strengthening our position as a leading and customer-centric airline.”

Expressing his excitement, Kumar said, “I am thrilled to re-join SpiceJet at a pivotal time in its journey. The Indian aviation market offers tremendous opportunities, and I look forward to working with the team to drive SpiceJet’s expansion, enhance operational efficiencies, and deliver even greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”

Kumar has previously served in several key roles, including Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer at IndiGo, President & CEO at InterGlobe Technology Quotient, and Chief Operating Officer at AirAsia India. His appointment is seen as a major step in strengthening SpiceJet’s leadership as the airline works to overcome its ongoing challenges.

The move comes at a crucial time for SpiceJet, which has been facing financial stress and operational disruptions in recent years. The airline’s operational fleet reportedly dropped from 74 aircraft in 2019 to fewer than 30 by 2024, with many planes grounded due to payment delays and supply constraints. Outstanding dues to lessors and vendors had accumulated to around ₹3,700 crore, leading to several legal and arbitration proceedings.

In September 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) placed SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance, citing concerns over its financial capacity to maintain operations and ensure safety compliance. The airline also reported a ₹235 crore loss for a quarter in 2025, as revenues fell nearly 35 percent year-on-year.

Despite these challenges, SpiceJet has been working toward a turnaround with a renewed focus on fleet additions, debt restructuring, and leadership changes. Recently, the airline announced plans to lease eight additional Boeing 737 aircraft to expand its network and boost domestic connectivity during the festive season.

Kumar’s leadership is expected to play a key role in stabilizing operations and guiding the airline toward its next growth phase as SpiceJet aims to regain its foothold in India’s competitive aviation sector.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Neha Chhabra as its new General Manager. With over two decades of distinguished experience in luxury and business hospitality, Neha brings a deep understanding of operations, guest experience, and brand leadership, perfectly reflecting Sofitel’s signature blend of French zest and Indian warmth.

A seasoned hotelier and dynamic leader, Neha has led several prestigious properties under globally acclaimed hospitality brands. Most recently, she served as General Manager at JW Marriott Goa, where she positioned the property among North Goa’s most celebrated luxury destinations. Under her leadership, the hotel garnered over 27 industry accolades, including honours from Travel + Leisure India, Condé Nast Traveler, and the HICSA Hotel of the Year 2024.

Prior to this, Neha was General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, where her agile leadership through the pandemic drove both operational excellence and strong financial performance. Her earlier roles at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, The Trident Bandra Kurla, and The Oberoi New Delhi further enriched her expertise in delivering exceptional service and guest satisfaction across diverse luxury environments.

Renowned for her people-first approach and commitment to excellence, Neha has received numerous prestigious accolades, including:

• Goa’s Best General Manager 2024 (CMO Asia)
  

• Leadership Excellence 2022 (APEC GM Awards)
  

• Diamond General Manager of the Year 2021–22 (Global, Courtyard Brand)
  

She has also been honoured among the Most Fabulous Women Leaders in Hospitality and recognized as Hotel Manager of the Year 2019 by BW Hotelier and Stelliers South Asia.

Reflecting on her appointment, Neha Chhabra shared,

“Joining Sofitel Mumbai BKC is an exciting opportunity to build on the brand’s legacy of French sophistication and Indian hospitality. I look forward to leading the exceptional team here to further strengthen Sofitel’s position as Mumbai’s most distinguished luxury destination and to create meaningful, memorable experiences for our guests.”

In her new role, Neha will oversee the hotel’s overall operations and strategic direction, focusing on enhancing guest experiences, driving sustainable growth, and fostering a culture of creativity and excellence among her teams.

With her vast experience and visionary leadership, Neha Chhabra’s appointment marks an inspiring new chapter for Sofitel Mumbai BKC, as the hotel continues to redefine luxury hospitality in the heart of India’s financial capital.