In the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian hospitality, few voices resonate with as much clarity and conviction as Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & Area Senior Vice President, Radisson Hotel Group – South Asia. As a leader steering one of the largest international hotel chains in the region, Sharma is not just expanding Radisson’s footprint—he’s reshaping the way hospitality is perceived and delivered in emerging India.
With an ambitious target to open 30 hotels annually, Sharma is sharply focused on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. “These markets are no longer peripheral,” he notes in internal strategy discussions. “They are the new engines of growth. More than half of our portfolio is now anchored in Tier-3 and Tier-4 locations—right where the demand is surging.”
This decentralised strategy is backed by numbers. Radisson is set to close the current year with 130 operational hotels and plans to add 20 more next year. It’s a steady yet strategic pace, reflective of Sharma’s calibrated approach to expansion.
But growth, for Sharma, isn’t just about quantity—it’s also about responsibility. Radisson Hotel Group has publicly committed to achieving net-zero environmental impact by 2050, in line with the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. “Every experience we offer our guests must also respect the planet. Sustainability is not a side conversation anymore—it is central to how we operate.”
His passion for talent development within the hospitality sector is equally evident. Sharma sees India’s hotel industry as a major socio-economic driver. “After agriculture, hospitality is India’s second-largest employer. For every room we add, we create 10 jobs. The opportunity to transform lives is immense.” Under his leadership, Radisson has been working closely with institutes and skill development programs to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals.
At the heart of his leadership is a deep belief in resilience and adaptability. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist philosophy, Sharma often reflects on the principle of impermanence. “Change is constant. In hospitality, this truth is amplified daily. Our ability to adapt, evolve and welcome change determines our long-term relevance.”
His personal motto, borrowed from Radisson’s brand ethos—“Yes I Can!”—isn’t just corporate jargon. It’s an attitude. “It’s the belief that anything is possible. That’s what I try to instil in our teams and partners alike.”
With Sharma at the helm, Radisson’s journey in South Asia is more than an expansion plan—it’s a case study in purpose-led leadership, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
