ADB appointed Ms. Sona Shrestha as director general of SARD

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Ms. 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 across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the bank said.

In a news release issued on Thursday, February 12, ADB quoted Ms. Shrestha as saying she was “honored” by the appointment and looked forward to working closely with developing member countries to deepen ADB’s engagement in support of inclusive and sustainable development.

ADB described Ms. Shrestha, a Nepali national, as a seasoned development leader with more than 27 years of professional experience, including 23 years at ADB. Prior to her appointment, she served as Deputy Director General for SARD.

Ms. Shrestha has also served as Deputy Director General of ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department, as well as Assistant Secretary, Director in the Financial Sector and Trade Division for Southeast Asia, and Deputy Country Director for Indonesia, according to the bank. ADB said her earlier roles provided extensive operational experience across Central and West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

ADB said Ms. Shrestha holds doctorate and master’s degrees in economics from the University of California (United States) and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Smith College, Massachusetts.