Gaurav Sharma’s understanding of hospitality was shaped early by life in the hills and close exposure to his family’s work. Raised amid nature and educated at a Catholic missionary school, he grew up with values of discipline, endurance, and consistency. Alongside academics, his training in Hindustani classical music and the violin reinforced patience and balance, qualities that continue to inform his leadership style. He later studied Culinary Arts at IHM Aurangabad and worked with international hotel chains, gaining global operational experience.
Chevron Hotels & Resorts was founded in 1996 by his father, Praveen Sharma, with a focus on conservation-led hospitality. The brand began in Nainital with the restoration of a century-old colonial bungalow and gradually expanded to Ranikhet, Kausani, Mukteshwar, and Dehradun. As the group approaches three decades of operations, it remains closely identified with heritage, sustainability, and hill destinations in Uttarakhand.
Sharma formally joined the family business seven years ago after working abroad. His entry coincided with a phase of reassessment and change, including the launch of a horticulture-tourism project in Mukteshwar in 2019. The initiative, built around organic produce and experiential tourism, proved critical during the pandemic by adding a stable revenue stream when hospitality demand declined.
Another strategic shift came in destination weddings. With Chevron hosting weddings for over two decades, Sharma created a dedicated wedding vertical to respond to growing demand for intimate, heritage-led celebrations. This move added a structured growth avenue while supporting local employment.
Chevron’s work in responsible tourism was recognised with the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award 2025. Looking ahead, Sharma plans to strengthen horti-tourism and destination wedding offerings while promoting Uttarakhand internationally. His focus remains on growth that preserves the region’s natural character, generates local livelihoods, and positions the state as a sustainable hospitality destination.