Ilya Espino de Marotta has taken office as Administrator of the Panama Canal . She is the first woman to lead the Panama Canal . Her term began on 7 September 2026 and will run until 2033. She succeeds Ricaurte Vásquez Morales. Four decades of experience at the Canal Espino de Marotta has worked at the Panama Canal for more than 40 years. She joined the organisation in 1985 as a marine engineer. At the time, she was the only female engineer at the Canal’s shipyard. Since then, she has held several technical and executive positions. She worked in engineering, dredging, maritime operations and project management. Espino de Marotta also played a key role in the Panama Canal Expansion Program . After the expansion was completed, she became Vice President for Operations. In 2020, she took office as Deputy Administrator. Four years later, she became the Canal’s first Chief Sustainability Officer. “My commitment is to remain focused on efficiency, transparency, and ethics,” Espino de Marotta said. New administrator to oversee Canal strategy Espino de Marotta will now oversee the Panama Canal’s 2025–2035 Strategic Vision . Water security is one of the main priorities. The strategy also focuses on reliable Canal operations and new business opportunities. Several major infrastructure projects are planned. These include the Río Indio reservoir and new port terminals on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. An energy corridor and a logistics corridor are also part of the strategy. The projects aim to strengthen the Canal’s position in global trade. They are also expected to create new sources of revenue. Panama Canal begins new leadership term The inauguration took place at the Panama Canal Administration Building. Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino attended the ceremony. Minister for Canal Affairs José Ramón Icaza and members of the Canal’s Board of Directors were also present. Outgoing Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales also attended.