Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales

Panamanian Economist
Former Administrator Panama Canal Authority

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Panamanian economist and executive who led the Panama Canal as Chief Executive Officer (2019–2026) through climate-driven drought, a global pandemic and geopolitical realignment, securing its position as critical global trade infrastructure. Prior leadership spans CEO of GE Central America & Caribbean, Minister of Economy and Finance of Panama, and successive C-suite roles at the Canal — CFO, COO and Board Chairman — across the transfer, expansion and modernization of the waterway. Career focus on business and corporate strategy, underpinned by a strong quantitative foundation for critical decision-making and extensive experience in financial operations and management. Twenty-five years as a university professor of economics and quantitative methods, and a frequent speaker in Panama and abroad.