Cynthia Gellibert appointed as first female chair of IESS Board

Cynthia Gellibert has been appointed as the first woman to preside over the Board of Directors of the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS). Appointed by President Daniel Noboa via Executive Decree 511, Gellibert replaces Bernardo Cordovez. Since 2001, the position had been held exclusively by men.

Gellibert, an economist with a master's degree in Public Administration, previously served as the Secretary General of Public Administration and as the Minister of Labor and Human Development. Her new role involves representing the Executive Branch within the tripartite board, which also includes representatives for employers and insured members.

Her leadership comes at a time when the IESS is considering the sale of significant assets and lands located in Santa Elena, Guayas, and Pichincha. Given her close political ties to President Noboa, her appointment has drawn attention regarding the management and independence of the potential asset liquidation process.