Ricaurte Vasquez will take the reins of the Panama Canal Authority this fall, the organization announced Friday.
Vasquez will take over as Panama Canal Administrator 4 September, replacing Jorge Quijano who held the post for seven years and spent a total of 40 years with the waterway.
"We are committed to ensuring that Mr. Vasquez acquires the knowledge and expertise required for a smooth transition," said Quijano. "As was the case during past transition periods, we can assure the maritime community that the waterway will continue to offer uninterrupted, reliable and safe service to its customers."
Vasquez has a long history with the canal, serving as the chairman of its board of directors and minister for canal affairs from 2004 to 2006, deputy administrator before that and finance director from 1996 to 2000.
He has a PhD in managerial economics from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute in upstate New York and a masters degree in economics from North Carolina State University.
Vasquez will be the canal's fourth administrator since it handed over to Panama.
