Ricardo Martinelli is a Panamanian businessman and politician who served as the President of Panama from 2009 to 2014. He is known for his background in the supermarket industry, having founded the successful chain Super 99. During his presidency, Martinelli focused on infrastructure development and economic growth. After leaving office, Martinelli faced various legal challenges, including allegations of corruption and wiretapping. He was arrested in 2017 in Italy and later extradited to Panama to face charges. His political career has been marked by controversy, but he remains a significant figure in Panamanian politics.