New Delhi: Sona Aggarwal has been named Managing Director, Head of Retail Sales and Strategy, Asia Pacific at Cushman & Wakefield.
Aggarwal, who is based in Singapore, joins the company at a pivotal point in its growth as Cushman & Wakefield expands its retail platform in the area, offering its global retail network and experience to clients throughout Asia Pacific (APAC) and beyond.
Aggarwal will oversee Cushman & Wakefield’s APAC retail strategy in this recently created position, collaborating closely with regional teams to expand the clientele and promote excellence in solutions and service delivery. Her main goals will be to connect the company’s international retail teams and clients, fortify cross-border partnerships and create a lucrative and sustainable retail operation.
Aggarwal has 25 years of experience in retail operations and worldwide brand management and he has a track record of generating profitable growth. She has effectively led cross-border teams of more than 1,300 employees and opened and run more than 200 locations in Asia-Pacific.
She has been able to execute highly specialised go-to-market plans that are suited to a variety of market situations thanks to her profound understanding of consumer involvement and her insights into the demands, difficulties, and strategic priorities of retailers. Her vast knowledge covers a wide range of industries, including watches, home furnishings, healthcare, cosmetics, and clothing.
“This is a significant appointment for our retail business in Asia Pacific,” said Anshul Jain, Chief Executive, India, SEA & APAC Tenant Representation. “Sona’s client-side perspective, having worked with iconic global retail brands, adds a competitive edge to our platform. Her vast experience and leadership in the retail sector will be pivotal in deepening client partnerships and unlocking new growth opportunities across the region.”
Aggarwal also expressed her excitement about the growth potential in the APAC retail sector, stating:
“Retail has never been more dynamic. The shifting world order—both geopolitically and demographically—presents huge opportunities for the APAC region. With a growing middle class, rapid urbanisation, and high digital adoption, the region is experiencing robust consumption and increased interest in both local and global brands.”
“I see tremendous potential both inbound and outbound to and from APAC. The Asian consumer is becoming more sophisticated, driving demand for aspirational brands across all categories. Additionally, the Western consumer is embracing Asian health and beauty, wellness, hospitality, and Food & Beverage (F&B) sectors. There is also significant growth in tech-driven sectors like Auto/EV. The increase in high-net-worth individuals in the region has made it critical for financial institutions to offer differentiated experiences for their private wealth clients,” she added.