Ricardo Martinelli
Who was Ricardo Martinelli?
Panamanian businessman and politician who served as the 49th President of Panama from 2009 to 2014.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Ricardo Martinelli (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Ricardo Alberto Martinelli Berrocal, born on March 11, 1952, is a Panamanian businessman and politician. He was the 49th President of Panama, serving from 2009 to 2014. Born in Panama City, Martinelli had a successful business career before moving into politics, particularly as the head of the Super 99 supermarket chain, one of Panama's largest retail businesses. His business achievements gave him both the financial backing and public recognition to enter politics, where he presented himself as an outsider candidate who could modernize Panama's economy and infrastructure.
Before Fame
Martinelli went to Staunton Military Academy in Virginia and later studied at the University of Arkansas, where he honed the business skills that shaped his career. Upon returning to Panama, he grew the Super 99 supermarket chain into a leading retail brand, becoming one of the country's top entrepreneurs. His success in business provided him with the visibility and resources that many political newcomers lack. He used this position to create a political base outside of Panama's traditional party structures, eventually starting the Cambio Democratico party to support his presidential goals.
Key Achievements
- Served as the 49th President of Panama from 2009 to 2014, winning the 2009 election by a wide margin as a political outsider
- Oversaw the initiation of Panama City's Metro system, the first of its kind in Central America
- Built the Super 99 supermarket chain into one of Panama's largest and most recognized retail businesses
- Received multiple international honors including the Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry from Portugal in 2013 and the Order of José Cecilio del Valle in 2013
- Received an honorary doctorate in 2013, recognizing his contributions to business and public service
Did You Know?
- 01.Martinelli's Super 99 supermarket chain grew to become one of the largest retail operations in Central America, cementing his status as a major business figure before he ever held elected office.
- 02.He was awarded the Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Sun of Peru and the Order of Brilliant Jade from Taiwan both in 2010, reflecting active diplomatic outreach during the early years of his presidency.
- 03.In 2024, a Panamanian court sentenced Martinelli to ten years in prison for embezzlement and money laundering related to the use of public funds to purchase several Panamanian media outlets in 2010.
- 04.During his presidency, Martinelli oversaw the expansion of Panama City's metro system, the first urban subway network in Central America, which opened shortly after he left office.
- 05.Martinelli was implicated in multiple major corruption investigations simultaneously, including the Odebrecht bribery scandal, the New Business case, Financial Pacific, and Blue Apple, making him one of the most legally entangled former heads of state in Panamanian history.
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Sun of Peru | 2010 | — |
| Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry | 2013 | — |
| Order of Brilliant Jade | 2010 | — |
| Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George | 2012 | — |
| Order of José Cecilio del Valle | 2013 | — |
| National Order of Honour and Merit | 2014 | — |
| honorary doctorate | 2013 | — |