KATHMANDU: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has named Sona Shrestha as Director General (DG) of its South Asia Department, placing her in charge of strategy and operations across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Shrestha brings over 27 years of development experience, including more than two decades within ADB. She most recently served as Deputy Director General for South Asia and has held senior positions in the Independent Evaluation Department, the Financial Sector and Trade Division for Southeast Asia, and as Deputy Country Director for Indonesia.

Expressing gratitude for the appointment, she said she aims to work closely with member nations to advance inclusive and sustainable growth.

Shrestha earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in economics from the University of California and completed her undergraduate studies at Smith College in Massachusetts.

Established in 1966, ADB is a multilateral development institution owned by 69 members, supporting economic and social progress across Asia and the Pacific.