The Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Authority has appointed engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta as Administrator of the Panama Canal for the 2026–2033 term, exercising the powers granted to her by the Constitution of the Republic of Panama and the Organic Law of the Panama Canal Authority. This decision follows a national and international process including the search, consultation, and evaluation focused on identifying Panamanian professionals capable of addressing the Panama Canal’s current and future challenges. The selection process included rigorous assessments of candidates’ knowledge and capabilities, as well as in-depth interviews designed to comprehensively evaluate their competencies, strategic vision, and leadership skills. “The legitimacy of this decision rests on the independence of the process, the technical rigor of the methodology applied, and a serious, objective institutional deliberation focused on the best interests of the Canal and the country. As with previous appointments, the Board undertook this process fully aware of the critical importance of the canal to Panama and to global trade,” said José Ramón Icaza, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Authority. The Board determined that Engineer Espino de Marotta possesses the experience, judgment, and capabilities necessary to lead the Panama Canal through major challenges, including water sustainability, route competitiveness, institutional modernization, operational efficiency, and the preservation of the canal’s contribution to national development. Espino de Marotta holds a degree in Marine Engineering from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in Economic Engineering from Universidad Santa María La Antigua, and executive education credentials from INCAE Business School and the Kellogg School of Management. She is a distinguished Panama Canal professional with more than 40 years of experience in technical, operational, and leadership roles. She previously served as