Sona Shrestha Appointed Director General of ADB’s South Asia Department

Manila, Philippines, February 12, 2026 — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has named Sona Shrestha as the new Director General of its South Asia Department (SARD). In her new role, Ms. Shrestha will oversee ADB’s strategy and operations in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, guiding development initiatives and programs in the region.

“I am honored to be appointed Director General of South Asia,” said Ms. Shrestha. “I look forward to working closely with our developing member countries to strengthen ADB’s support for inclusive and sustainable growth.”

Ms. Shrestha brings over 27 years of professional experience, including 23 years at ADB, where she previously served as Deputy Director General for SARD. Her career also includes leadership roles in the Independent Evaluations Department, the Financial Sector and Trade Division for Southeast Asia, and as Deputy Country Director for Indonesia. She has extensive experience across Central and West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, providing her with deep insight into regional development challenges.

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

Founded in 1966, the Asian Development Bank is a multilateral development institution with 69 members, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region. ADB works with governments and partners to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth, leveraging financial innovation and strategic partnerships to improve infrastructure, transform lives, and address environmental challenges across the region.