Radisson Hotel Group has officially announced the appointment of Nikhil Sharma as the Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President (ASVP) for South Asia, effective April 1, 2024. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering the Group’s operations across a vibrant region that is home to over 165 hotels currently in operation and under development.
Sharma steps into his new role after a successful tenure at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WHR), where he excelled as the Market Managing Director for Eurasia. His responsibilities included overseeing critical areas such as business development, operations, new openings, and sales & marketing. Prior to his engagement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Sharma served as the Chief Operating Officer at Ginger Hotels, a distinguished brand within the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) conglomerate. Additionally, Sharma is celebrated as a founding member of the Lemon Tree Hotel Company, playing a crucial role in the expansion of India’s upscale hotel segment.
“Nikhil’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening our leadership team and driving strategic growth in South Asia. This region is a key market for us, and with Nikhil’s strategic vision and deep understanding of the industry, we are confident in our ability to further elevate our presence and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests,” Chema Basterrechea, Global President & Chief Operations Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, remarked.
K B Kachru, Chairman of South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, also expressed enthusiasm for Sharma’s leadership: “In the past 25 years, Radisson Hotel Group has become synonymous with unparalleled hospitality and delivering memorable moments to millions of guests. We are pleased to welcome a dynamic leader like Nikhil to steer us ahead in this journey and wish him the best for leading Radisson Hotel Group’s next phase of growth in South Asia.”
Sharma’s leadership is set to focus on nurturing relationships with partners, driving revenue growth, ensuring operational excellence, and leading Radisson Hotel Group’s vision of being an employer of choice for dynamic talent within the hospitality ecosystem. His comprehensive background and strategic acumen position him perfectly to lead the Group’s ambitious expansion and innovation efforts in the region.
“I am thrilled to be part of Radisson Hotel Group and to lead South Asia during this exhilarating period of growth. With a diverse portfolio of brands and hotels, the Group is poised to be the top choice for travelers and asset owners alike. I am grateful for this opportunity to drive innovation, deliver exceptional results, and elevate the brand while creating value for our stakeholders,” said Nikhil Sharma, embracing his new role.
Beyond his leadership roles, Sharma is a recognized figure in the hospitality sector in India, contributing to various federations, associations, and industry bodies that make transformative decisions within the industry. He is also a published author and frequent contributor to leading hospitality publications, further underlining his commitment to advancing the sector.
With Sharma at the helm, Radisson Hotel Group is poised for a new chapter of growth and success in South Asia, further cementing its position as a leader in the global hospitality industry.