+
Cushman & Wakefield Names Sona Aggarwal as APAC Retail Lead
Company News

Cushman & Wakefield Names Sona Aggarwal as APAC Retail Lead

Cushman & Wakefield, a global real estate services firm, has announced the appointment of Sona Aggarwal as Managing Director, Head of Retail Sales and Strategy, Asia Pacific. Based in Singapore, Sona joins at a pivotal time as the firm scales up its regional retail platform, aiming to deliver global expertise to clients across Asia Pacific (APAC) and beyond. 

With over 25 years of experience in global brand management and retail operations, Sona has led the launch and operations of more than 200 stores across APAC, managing cross-border teams of over 1,300 people. Her deep understanding of consumer engagement, combined with insights into retailer strategies and operational challenges, positions her to deliver hyper-localised growth solutions tailored to diverse market dynamics. Her sector experience spans apparel, beauty, healthcare, watches, and home furnishings, backed by a strong understanding of regional and international markets. 

“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, brings a competitive edge to our retail platform. Her vast experience and leadership in the retail sector will be instrumental in deepening client partnerships as well as driving and unlocking new growth opportunities for our retail business across the region.” 

In this newly created role, Sona will lead Cushman & Wakefield’s APAC retail strategy, collaborating with regional teams to expand the client base and enhance service delivery. She will also strengthen cross-border synergies, connecting global retail clients and teams, while working towards building a sustainable and profitable business. 

“I’m excited to take on this role during such a transformational time for the retail industry,” said Sona Aggarwal. “Cushman & Wakefield’s blend of market intelligence and global operational scale puts us in a unique position to help clients navigate change and achieve outcomes that meet their business objectives. I look forward to working closely with our teams across the 60 countries that we operate in around the world to reinforce our position as a thought leader and more importantly, a trusted advisor to our clients in the consumer space.” 

Sona also noted the APAC region’s retail growth momentum, driven by demographic and psychographic shifts. With a rising middle class, urbanisation, youth-driven consumption, and high digital adoption, she highlighted increasing demand for local, regional, and global brands. 

“Retail has never been more dynamic. There is inbound and outbound opportunity within and from APAC. Asian consumers are growing more sophisticated, and there is demand for aspirational lifestyle and entertainment brands. Western markets, in turn, are embracing Asian health, beauty, wellness, hospitality, and F&B. There is also momentum in tech-led sectors like Auto/EV. Additionally, wealth transfer into the region is pushing financial institutions to deliver more differentiated private wealth experiences,” she added. 

Sona aims to combine data insights, operational knowledge, and local expertise to deliver customised, strategic retail solutions across APAC, aligned with evolving consumer behaviour and business goals. 

Cushman & Wakefield, a global real estate services firm, has announced the appointment of Sona Aggarwal as Managing Director, Head of Retail Sales and Strategy, Asia Pacific. Based in Singapore, Sona joins at a pivotal time as the firm scales up its regional retail platform, aiming to deliver global expertise to clients across Asia Pacific (APAC) and beyond. With over 25 years of experience in global brand management and retail operations, Sona has led the launch and operations of more than 200 stores across APAC, managing cross-border teams of over 1,300 people. Her deep understanding of consumer engagement, combined with insights into retailer strategies and operational challenges, positions her to deliver hyper-localised growth solutions tailored to diverse market dynamics. Her sector experience spans apparel, beauty, healthcare, watches, and home furnishings, backed by a strong understanding of regional and international markets. “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, brings a competitive edge to our retail platform. Her vast experience and leadership in the retail sector will be instrumental in deepening client partnerships as well as driving and unlocking new growth opportunities for our retail business across the region.” In this newly created role, Sona will lead Cushman & Wakefield’s APAC retail strategy, collaborating with regional teams to expand the client base and enhance service delivery. She will also strengthen cross-border synergies, connecting global retail clients and teams, while working towards building a sustainable and profitable business. “I’m excited to take on this role during such a transformational time for the retail industry,” said Sona Aggarwal. “Cushman & Wakefield’s blend of market intelligence and global operational scale puts us in a unique position to help clients navigate change and achieve outcomes that meet their business objectives. I look forward to working closely with our teams across the 60 countries that we operate in around the world to reinforce our position as a thought leader and more importantly, a trusted advisor to our clients in the consumer space.” Sona also noted the APAC region’s retail growth momentum, driven by demographic and psychographic shifts. With a rising middle class, urbanisation, youth-driven consumption, and high digital adoption, she highlighted increasing demand for local, regional, and global brands. “Retail has never been more dynamic. There is inbound and outbound opportunity within and from APAC. Asian consumers are growing more sophisticated, and there is demand for aspirational lifestyle and entertainment brands. Western markets, in turn, are embracing Asian health, beauty, wellness, hospitality, and F&B. There is also momentum in tech-led sectors like Auto/EV. Additionally, wealth transfer into the region is pushing financial institutions to deliver more differentiated private wealth experiences,” she added. Sona aims to combine data insights, operational knowledge, and local expertise to deliver customised, strategic retail solutions across APAC, aligned with evolving consumer behaviour and business goals. 

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?