ADB appoints new South Asia chief to oversee operations in six countries
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 honoured to be appointed Director General of South Asia," Shrestha said. "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 has more than 27 years of professional experience, including 23 years at ADB. Prior to the appointment, she served as Deputy Director General for SARD. She has also held senior roles including Deputy Director General of ADB's Independent Evaluation Department, and leadership positions in the bank's operations, including assignments linked to Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Central and West Asia, and South Asia, ADB said.
A Nepali national, Shrestha holds doctoral and master's degrees in economics from the University of California in the United States, and a bachelor's degree in economics from Smith College, Massachusetts.
ADB is a multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Founded in 1966, it is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the region, the bank said.
