Famous Ecuadorian Leaders

Manuela Sáenz was an Ecuadorian revolutionary who supported women's rights. She received the Order of the Sun, honoring her services in the revolution. Today, she is widely regarded as a feminist symbol of the 19th century. In 2007, the Ecuadorian government honored her with the rank of General.

Rafael Correa is an Ecuadorian economist and politician. From 2007 to 2017, Correa served as the president of Ecuador. During his presidency, Ecuador managed to reduce its poverty and raised the minimum wage, which in turn enhanced the standard of living in the country.

Lenín Moreno is an Ecuadorian politician and the current president of Ecuador. Before being elected as the president, Moreno served as the vice president under President Rafael Correa from 2007 to 2013. Also known for his support towards people with disabilities, Moreno received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.  

Jaime Roldós Aguilera was an Ecuadorian political figure who served as the President of Ecuador from 1979 until his death in 1981. Although his presidency was short-lived, Jaime Roldós Aguilera achieved immense popularity and reverence for his support for human rights.

Abdalá Bucaram is an Ecuadorian lawyer and politician. He is best known for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1996 to 1997. An influential politician, Abdalá Bucaram also served as the Mayor of Guayaquil from August 1984 to September 1985.

Sixto Durán Ballén was an Ecuadorian architect and political figure. He is best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1992 to 1996. A prominent politician, Durán-Ballén also served as the Mayor of Quito from 1 August 1970 to 16 February 1978. Sixto Durán Ballén is also credited with co-founding the Social Christian Party.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa is an Ecuadorian diplomat and politician. She is best known for her service as the Minister of Foreign Affairs on two occasions; from January 2007 to December 2007 and again from May 2017 to June 2018. An influential political leader, Maria Fernanda Espinosa also served as the Minister of National Defense from November 2012 to September 2014.

Retired Ecuadorian footballer Iván Hurtado made a name for himself as a defender. With his 168 international games, he scripted history as the world’s 15th-most-capped male footballer in the history of the game. He had successful stints with clubs such as Barcelona, Atlético Nacional, and Emelec.

Conservative Party politician and the 24th president of Ecuador, José María Velasco Ibarra held the post of the president 5 times and was ousted by the military 4 times. He was a qualified lawyer, too. His tenure witnessed the construction of institutes, roads, bridges, and hospitals.

Juan José Flores was a Venezuelan-born military general who served as the president of the new Republic of Ecuador on three non-consecutive terms. Enlisted as a private in the Spanish Royalist army at the age of 15, he grew up to be a military man with a commanding presence. He was an intelligent man and an eloquent orator. 

Gabriel García Moreno was an Ecuadorian aristocrat and politician. He is best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador on two occasions; from 1861 to 1865 and again from 1869 to 1875. He was also the Interim President of Ecuador on two occasions between 1861 and 1869. Gabriel García Moreno is also remembered for his stance against corruption.

Lucio Gutiérrez is an Ecuadorian politician best known for his service as the President of Ecuador from 2003 to 2005. Prior to his political career, Gutiérrez served in the Ecuadorian Army. However, he turned against the government and became involved in a coup d'état in 2000, which aimed at toppling Jamil Mahuad's government.

The 39th president of Ecuador, Rosalía Arteaga had been an acting president for a couple of days in 1997 and thus also scripted history as Ecuador’s first woman to hold the post. Initially a lawyer and educator, she stepped into politics as a councilwoman in Cuenca.

Alfredo Palacio is an Ecuadorian former politician best known for his service as the President of Ecuador from 2005 to 2007. A prominent politician, Palacio also served as the Minister of Health from 1994 to 1996 and as the Vice President of Ecuador from 2003 to 2005. Since retiring from politics, Palacio has focused on his career as a cardiologist.

Cynthia Viteri is an Ecuadorian politician, journalist, and lawyer. She is currently serving as the Mayor of Guayaquil, Ecuador's second-largest city. After starting her career as a public relations manager for lawyer and politician, Jaime Nebot, Cynthia Viteri went on to establish herself as a successful politician. She even competed in the 2006 presidential elections, where she finished fifth.

León Febres Cordero was an Ecuadorian political leader best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1984 to 1988. During his presidency, Febres-Cordero led a security crackdown on an infamous guerrilla group called Alfaro Vive, Carajo (AVC). An important politician, León Febres Cordero also served as the Mayor of Guayaquil from 1992 to 2000.

José Joaquín de Olmedo was an Ecuadorian political leader best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from March 1845 to December 1845. A prominent politician, José Joaquín de Olmedo also served as the Vice President of Ecuador from 12 September 1830 to 15 September 1831.

Ecuador’s 49th vice-president, Maria Alejandra Vicuna has also led the country as its Minister of Urban Development and Housing. The PAIS Alliance member also co-founded the Ecuadorian Commission on Education, Science, Technology, and Communication. She has also spent a year in prison for receiving money illegally.

Maria Paula Romo is an Ecuadorian political figure best known for her service as the Minister of Government from 31 August 2018 to 24 November 2020 under President Lenin Moreno. Maria Paula Romo was a founding member of a political leftist movement called Ruptura de los 25, which was responsible for toppling Lucio Gutiérrez's government.

Carlos Julio Arosemena Monroy was an Ecuadorian politician best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1961 to 1963. During his presidency, Arosemena Monroy modernized the telecommunications network and launched road construction work in Ecuador. A prominent political leader, Carlos Julio Arosemena Monroy also served as the Vice President of Ecuador from 1960 to 1961.

Gabriela Rivadeneira is an Ecuadorian politician who served as the Governor of Imbabura Province from 28 July 2011 to 9 November 2012. She also served as the President of the National Assembly from 2013 to 2017. Gabriela Rivadeneira is also renowned for her cultural activism; she founded a cultural organization called Mirarte in 1998, when she was 14 years old.

Lebanese-origin Ecuadorian politician Ivonne Baki, who is the Ecuadorian ambassador to the US, has previously been Ecuador’s Minister of Industries and Productivity. The Harvard-educated diplomat has also been the President of the Andean Parliament. She is also an artist and painter and has been a UNESCO Dialogue of Civilizations goodwill ambassador.

The 14th president of Ecuador, Luis Cordero Crespo started his career as a Progresistas party politician. He was forced to resign following the sale of the flag scandal. However, all charges against him were later dropped. He had also been the President of the Provisional Government of Quito.

Cristina Reyes is an Ecuadorian lawyer, politician, and poet. She previously served as a member of the Ecuadorian Constituent Assembly from 2007 to 2008, and is currently serving as a member of the National Assembly. As a poet, Cristina Reyes is best known for Travesía, a collection of 62 poems.

Initially an Ecuadorian naval attache, Alfredo Poveda later became a naval commander and admiral. He also served as an interim president after coming to power through a coup in 1976, which ousted President Guillermo Rodríguez Lara. He was one of the leaders who signed the Declaration of Bogotá.

Antonio Borrero was an Ecuadorian political figure, journalist, and writer. He is best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1875 to 1876. A prominent politician, Borrero also served as Ecuador's Vice President from 1863 to 1864. Antonio Borrero's administration encouraged press freedom, free suffrage, and individual rights. 

Ecuadorian politician and the Prefect of Guayas Province, Susana Gonzalez Rosado has also been a well-known journalist. The Social Christian Party member has also served as a Member of the National Assembly of Ecuador and as the municipal councilor of Guayaquil. She is married to Spanish entrepreneur Antonio Sola Ortigosa.

A prominent Ecuadorian TV journalist and host, Janet Hinostroza has gained fame for her shows 30 Plus and La Mañana de 24 Horas. She specializes in investigative journalism. A CPJ International Press Freedom Award winner, she is also a popular face on Colombian TV and manages a production company, too.