ADB has appointed Sona Shrestha as Director General for South Asia. This appointment is a strategic move to strengthen the bank’s leadership as it advances its regional development strategy across one of the world’s fastest-growing and most complex economic regions.

With more than 25 years of professional experience in development. She has spent over 23 years with ADB, where she has held several senior leadership roles. Most recently serving as a Deputy Director General for South Asia, and previously held key positions such as Deputy Director General in the Independent Evaluation Department, Assistant Secretary, and Director for Public Management, Finance, and Trade in Southeast Asia. During her professional career, she has served as a Senior Economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia.

She holds her academic qualifications from the University of California, Santa Cruz, Smith College, and Columbia Business School, providing a strong academic foundation for her leadership in economic policy and development. In her new role, she will focus on guiding the organisation’s development initiatives, strengthening partnerships with member countries, and advancing sustainable and inclusive growth aligned with the bank’s long-term regional vision.

The appointment is the organization’s commitment to experienced and visionary leadership, positioning the organization to accelerate development impact, strengthen regional cooperation, and support South Asia’s transition toward resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.