KATHMANDU: Santosh Narayan Shrestha has been appointed the chairperson of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Monday.
The position had remained vacant since January 5, 2024, following the end of former chair Ramesh Kumar Hamal’s tenure.
The recommendation committee forwarded three names—Santosh Narayan Shrestha, Muktinath Shrestha, and Dr. Nabaraj Adhikari—to the government on Sunday.
Shrestha, who has previously served as a member of the Board of Directors at the Nepal Electricity Authority, brings significant experience to the role.
With a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Kathmandu University, Shrestha has held leadership roles in various companies.
A native of Bhirkot Municipality in Syangja, Shrestha was born in 1976 and is expected to address key challenges in the securities sector as the new chair of SEBON, which had been without leadership for 11 months.
About Santosh Narayan Shrestha
Born on December 11, 1976, in Bhirkot Municipality, Syangja, Santosh Narayan Shrestha holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), both from Kathmandu University.
With over two decades of leadership experience in various companies, Shrestha served as the Managing Director of Narayan Soap and Chemicals in Butwal.
He was a founding chairman of Nepal Express Finance and also served on the Board of Directors of Nepal Electricity Authority from April 2013 to February 2016.
From 2014 to 2023, he was the Executive Director of Geocon Nepal Engineering and Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in Kathmandu.
Additionally, he served as the founding chairman of Swabhiman Laghubitta Vittiya Sanstha Limited in Tilotamma from May 2017 to January 2024.
Shrestha has a diverse professional background, having been a committee member of the International Hydrological Project under the Nepal National Commission for UNESCO from January 2018 to January 2022.
He also taught management subjects as a visiting faculty member at the Crimson College of Technology in Butwal from 2003 to 2005 and was an executive committee member of the Rupandeshi Industry Organization from 2007 to 2012.
He is a life member of the Management Association of Nepal (MAN).
Contributions and Achievements
A seasoned leader in the financial and manufacturing sectors, Shrestha has significantly impacted Nepal’s economic and social development.
His career began in 2003 as the Managing Director of Narayan Soap and Chemical Industries.
As the founding chairman of Swabhiman Laghubitta Vittiya Sanstha Limited, he successfully led its IPO and listing on the Nepal Stock Exchange, contributing to the stability and growth of microfinance in Nepal from 2017 to 2024.
He played a vital role in the institutional and financial restructuring of the Nepal Electricity Authority during his tenure on its board from 2013 to 2016.
As the founding chairman of Nepal Express Finance Limited from 2005 to 2015, he oversaw its merger with Kailash Bikas Bank, enhancing its financial viability.
At Narayan Soap and Chemicals, he introduced budget brand products at the national level, expanding market reach and accessibility.
His involvement with the International Hydrology Program of UNESCO demonstrates his commitment to education and research, while his teaching role at Crimson College of Technology reflects his dedication to nurturing future leaders.
Comment