ADB appoints Sona Shrestha as director general of South Asia Department

KATHMANDU: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Sona Shrestha as Director General of its South Asia Department (SARD). She will lead the development and implementation of ADB’s strategy and operations in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

"I am honoured to be appointed Director General of South Asia," said Shrestha. "I look forward to working closely with our developing member countries in the region to further deepen ADB’s engagement in support of inclusive and sustainable development."

Shrestha is a seasoned development leader with more than 27 years of professional experience, including 23 years at ADB. Prior to this appointment, she was Deputy Director General for SARD. She has also served as Deputy Director General of ADB’s Independent Evaluations Department, as Assistant Secretary and Director in the Financial Sector and Trade Division for Southeast Asia, and as Deputy Country Director for Indonesia.

In earlier roles at ADB, she gained extensive operational experience across Central and West Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

A national of Nepal, Shrestha holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in economics from the University of California, USA, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Smith College, Massachusetts.

Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 50 of which are from the region.

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