Kathmandu: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Sona Shrestha as Director General of its South Asia Department (SARD), where she will lead the development and implementation of ADB’s strategy and operations in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
“I am honored 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 professional with over 27 years of experience, including 23 years at ADB. Prior to her appointment, she served as Deputy Director General of SARD. She has also held key leadership roles as Deputy Director General of ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department, Assistant Secretary, Director in the Financial Sector and Trade Division for Southeast Asia, and Deputy Country Director for Indonesia.
Earlier in her career 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, United States. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Smith College, Massachusetts.
