PKF hospitality group is pleased to announce the appointment of Akshara Walia as Managing Director of PKF research GmbH, effective July 1, 2026. In her new role, Walia will lead the Group’s global research activities in the hospitality sector and further strengthen PKF hospitality group’s position as a leading provider of market intelligence, analysis and strategic advisory services to the hospitality and real estate industries.
Walia has been part of the PKF hospitality group since 2016 and has been instrumental in expanding the company’s research and data-based consulting services. As Director of Research, she led the Data Analytics division and was responsible for market analyses, industry publications, forecasting models and tailor-made research projects for international clients. With her work, she has made a significant contribution to increasing market transparency and supporting strategic decision-making processes in the hospitality industry.
In 2025, Walia also took over as head of the research department at the Future of Hospitality Institute, an industry think tank with a focus on serviced living. In this role, she was responsible for quantitative research initiatives on high-growth segments such as branded residences, co-living and student housing.
With a PhD in Business Administration and Socioeconomics, Walia combines academic excellence with extensive consulting experience, bringing a unique perspective to hospitality research and market analysis.
Walia: “I am looking forward to this new chapter at PKF hospitality group and am very excited about what the future holds. As Managing Director, my goal is to foster a culture of collaboration and excellence that creates sustainable results for both our customers and our employees.”
Michael Widmann, Global CEO of PKF hospitality group, adds: “Over the past ten years, Akshara has made a decisive contribution to establishing and continuously developing our research platform. Her analytical expertise, innovative thinking and deep understanding of the changing concepts in the hotel and serviced living sector have strengthened our position as a trusted advisor to investors, project developers and operators worldwide. We are very pleased to have her take on this leadership role and are convinced that she will continue to drive the growth and strategic importance of our research business.”
With this appointment, PKF hospitality group reaffirms its commitment to providing best-in-class market intelligence and forward-looking insights that help clients successfully navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing hospitality market.
