President Donald Trump has named Erik Paul Bethel as the new United States Ambassador to Panama, says a note from the White House.

Bethel's nomination comes after completing his term as Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank in the US.

A financial professional with more than 25 years of experience in private equity and investment banking in Latin America and Asia. He is an expert in investments and financial activities in Latin American

Bethel was a member of the Board of Governors of Opportunity International, a nonprofit organization that provides financial services to people living in poverty in developing countries.

He graduated from the United States Naval Academy and the University of Pennsylvania. He speaks Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin.

Philip Laidlaw is the current acting chief of mission of the US Embassy.

The United States has not designated an ambassador to Panama since John Feeley resigned over a disagreement with Trump policies.

Bethel's nomination comes after completing his term as Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank in the United States.

A financial professional with more than 25 years of experience in private equity and investment banking in Latin America and Asia. He is an expert in investments and financial activities in Latin America.

Erik Paul Bethel was a member of the Board of Governors of Opportunity International, a nonprofit organization that provides financial services to people living in poverty in developing countries.

Bethel graduated from the United States Naval Academy and the University of Pennsylvania. He speaks Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin.

Currently, Philip  Laidlaw is the acting chief of mission of the US Embassy in Panama 

Since March 2018, the United States has not designated an ambassador to Panama, following the resignation of John Feeley over a disagreement with Trump policies.