Alberto Alemán Zubieta

Alberto Alemán Zubieta Chief Executive Officer

Alberto Alemán Zubieta is the CEO of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), the autonomous agency that manages the Panama Canal, the leading interoceanic waterway that serves world maritime commerce.

Alberto Alemán began his professional career in the construction field. For many years, he served as CEO of one of the largest construction companies in the Republic of Panama.  From 1996 to 1999, he served as Administrator of the former Panama Canal Commission (PCC) – the federal agency of the United States Government, which was responsible, until December 31, 1999, for the administration and operation of the Panama Canal. In 1998, two years into his appointment as head of the PCC, he was appointed Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority, the Panamanian entity tasked with the administration of the waterway upon its transfer to the Republic of Panama on December 31, 1999. During the following two years, he served simultaneously as Administrator of the Panama Canal Commission and the ACP, ensuring that the decisions taken under the Commission would have continuity under the new Canal Authority. In 2005, the Board of Directors re-elected him to lead the ACP for another seven years.

Under his leadership, the ACP´s vision is to transform the Canal into a world leader in services to the maritime industry, to be the cornerstone of the global transportation system, and a model of excellence, integrity, and transparency.

At the local level, Alberto Alemán has been instrumental in promoting a sense of pride among Panamanians. At the international level, the maritime industry has acknowledged his leadership in transforming the Canal into a successful model of operation. For these reasons, he is frequently requested in different forums to share his thoughts and best practices. 

Alberto Alemán is the recipient of numerous national and international awards for his achievements and contributions to the world maritime industry such as the following:

    1. Introduced to the Maritime International Hall of Fame in May 2007.  Award presented by the Maritime Association of 
      the Port of New York and New Jersey
    2. The National Order of the Legion of Honor, the highest award bestowed by the French government, awarded in December 2006, in recognition of his successful administration of the Canal
    3. Declared the ”Meritorious Son of the City of Panama” in October 2003 and awarded the “Key to the City” by the Municipal Council
    4. The “Outstanding International Alumnus Award of Texas A&M University” awarded in December 2003
    5. “Government Official of the Year”  award, from Capital Financiero
    6. The “Order of Río Branco” awarded in 2003 by the Government of Brazil
    7. “The Businessman of the Year 2002" award, from the Panamanian Business Executives Association
    8. The “Maritime Personality 2001” award, presented by Seatrade
    9. The “Florencio Icaza Award”, bestowed by the Association of Panamanian Architects and Engineers for his merit and outstanding achievements as an engineer and as a public figure
    1. “Honorary Fellow” in 1997 and “Federal Engineer of the Year Award” in 1998 from the American Society of Civil Engineers
    2. The “William Ross Medal”, presented in 1992 by the Panamanian Chamber of Construction

He is member of various international and local organizations, such as: the International Advisory Board of Texas A&M University, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the Chief Executives Organization (CEO), the Panamanian Chamber of Construction, the Association of Panamanian Architects and Engineers, among others.

A native of Panama City, Republic of Panama, Alberto Alemán Zubieta is a graduate of the civil and industrial engineering schools from Texas A&M University. He lives in Panama with his wife, Ana Matilde and his three children.

Updated: 09-Jun-2008