Gurugram, Haryana, India, February 2026 – Aankush Sharrma has been appointed as Director of Development – India & South Asia at Accor, where he will lead the strategic expansion and portfolio growth for one of the world’s largest hospitality groups. Based in Gurugram, he will be responsible for identifying high-potential markets, strengthening owner partnerships, and accelerating brand penetration across the South Asian subcontinent.
Prior to joining Accor, Aankush spent nearly nine years at Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, where he most recently served as Director Development – Brand Expansion and Pre-Opening. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in scaling the group’s regional footprint and overseeing multiple successful hotel launches. Earlier at Sarovar, he held several General Manager roles across key cities including Hyderabad, Jaipur, and New Delhi, steadily transitioning from operations leadership into corporate development.
Before Sarovar, Aankush built strong international credentials as General Manager at Ramee Rose Hotel, Bahrain, where he drove operational excellence, enhanced market positioning, and strengthened owner relations. His earlier leadership journey includes senior operational roles at Choice Hotels International, Ascot Hotels and Resorts Ltd, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), where he was fast-tracked from Management Trainee to Assistant Manager Front Office, reflecting early recognition of his leadership potential.
With a rare blend of deep on-ground operational expertise and proven brand expansion capability, Aankush now spearheads the development roadmap for Accor across India and South Asia, reinforcing the group’s growth ambitions in one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets.
About Accor
Accor is a global hospitality leader with over 290,000 hospitality professionals and a portfolio of 45 hotel brands operating more than 5,600 properties worldwide. From luxury palaces to smart economy hotels, Accor delivers integrated hospitality solutions across segments, combining brands, services, and technology to reimagine guest experiences. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community impact, Accor continues to expand its footprint across key global markets, including India and South Asia.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
