In a market mostly led by big international hotel chains, Mehul Sharma, Founder & CEO of Signum Hotels & Resorts is showing that an Indian brand can not only compete globally but also succeed and grow.
With more than 20 years of experience at top hotel chains like Taj, Shangri-La, ITC, InterContinental, and Claridges, Mehul combines deep industry knowledge with a modern, future-ready approach. His journey as an entrepreneur is driven by strong industry experience, a constant push to innovate, and a clear goal to make Indian hospitality recognized and respected around the world.
Mehul graduated from IHM Pusa and began his career at The Park Hotels, where he worked in different departments. This hands-on experience helped him understand every part of hotel operations and what makes a great guest experience. He later took on key business roles at top luxury hotel chains—most notably spending nearly seven years as Director of Sales & Marketing at Taj Hotels. These experiences gave him the knowledge and confidence to take his biggest step yet—starting Signum Hotels in 2019.
What started as a simple idea during a trip abroad has now grown into a fast-expanding international hotel group. Built as a bootstrapped venture, Signum operates in India, the UK, UAE, and Jordan, offering a range of mid-range, premium, and serviced apartment stays. The group’s UK venture, 360Signum, runs 700+ serviced apartments in partnership with 360 Stays. In the UAE, Signum has launched 45+ apartments and established its Middle East headquarters in Dubai in 2024 to anchor regional growth.
A major milestone for Signum was its partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, aiming to open 5,000 rooms in five years across India, the UK, and the UAE by combining local expertise with global reach.
Mehul also founded Insignia Hotels & Resorts in partnership with Al Waleed Real Estate Company, focusing on the premium hotel market in the GCC region. Today, the brand runs hotels in Dubai and Jordan, offering luxury stays that blend modern technology with local culture.
Mehul stands out for his determination—while the pandemic slowed the industry, he continued expanding Signum globally, embracing technology, and staying rooted in Indian hospitality values.He finds inspiration in Jeff Keller’s book Attitude is Everything, especially the chapter “Get Out There and Fail,” which reflects his belief that failure is part of success.
In 2024, Mehul was awarded the Most Innovative & Promising Face of Innovations by Indian Affairs and featured in Forbes India’s DGEMS 200, recognizing Signum’s global potential.
As Signum prepares to enter new markets, Mehul continues to be a mentor, speaker, and industry voice, inspiring new-age entrepreneurs and hospitality professionals. His story reflects what’s possible when vision meets execution—and when Indian entrepreneurship dares to dream global.