Alberto Alemán Zubieta

The engineer Alberto Alemán Zubieta served as Administrator of the Panama Canal from 1996 to 2012 During his tenure, the waterway faced important moments like the transition of its operation and management from the government of the United States of America to the Panama and the start of expansion project, the largest project of modernizing the Canal since its opening in 1914. 

Before work in the Panama Canal, Alemán Zubieta began his career very young in the field of construction. For many years he served as president of one of the largest construction companies in the Republic of Panama. 

From 1996-1999, he served as Administrator of the former Panama Canal Commission - federal government agency of the United States, which was responsible for the administration and operation of the Panama Canal until December 31, 1999. 

In 1998, two years after his appointment as Administrator of the Commission of the Panama Canal, was appointed as Administrator of the ACP, the autonomous agency of the Panamanian government that manages the Panama Canal, from the time of their transfer to noon December 31, 1999 During the following years, he served concurrently as Administrator of the Panama Canal Commission and the ACP, thus ensuring that decisions taken under the Commission would have continuity under the new Canal Authority. 

Under his administration, the ACP implemented the vision of transforming the Canal into a world leader in services to the maritime industry, the cornerstone of the global transportation system, and a model of excellence, integrity and transparency. 

In Panama, the German engineer Zubieta was instrumental in promoting a sense of pride among Panamanian Canal. Internationally, the maritime industry has recognized his leadership in transforming the waterway in a successful model of operation. For these reasons, it is requested to participate in various forums to present and share your thoughts and best practices. 

For their accomplishments and contributions to maritime, German industry as Zubieta received several awards Canal administrator, including the "William Ross Medal" award, presented in 1992 by the Panamanian Chamber of Construction (CAPAC); the "Honorary Fellow" in 1997 and "Federal Engineer of the Year" in 1998 awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers; the "Florencio Icaza Award" granted by the Panamanian Society of Engineers and Architects (SPIA), on merit and outstanding performance as a professional engineer and public figure; the "Maritime Personality 2001" award from Seatrade; "The Executive of the Year 2002" by the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE); and "Order of Rio Branco", awarded in 2003 by the Government of Brazil; "Public Employee of the Year" award from Financial Capital; and the "Outstanding International Alumnus Award from the University of Texas A & M" award in December 2003. 

The German engineer Zubieta is a member of various international and local organizations such as the International Advisory Board of the University of Texas A & M, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, "Chief Executives Organization" (CEO), the Panamanian Chamber of Construction, the Panamanian Society of Engineers and Architects (SPIA), among others. 

A native of Panama City, Republic of Panama, the German engineer Zubieta is a graduate of the School of Civil and Industrial Engineering from the University of Texas A & M. He lives in Panama with his wife, Ana Matilde and her three children.