Overview
Otto Ramón Sonnenholzner Sper (born 19 March 1983) is an Ecuadorian broadcaster, economist and public figure who served as the 50th Vice President of Ecuador. Appointed in December 2018, he held the office until July 2020. Sonnenholzner came to national prominence through work in radio and television and later moved into politics and public administration.
Background and early career
Born in Guayaquil, Sonnenholzner has roots in Ecuador with family ties to German ancestry. He trained professionally in economics and built a career in the private sector and mass media before entering government. As a communicator he became well known to a national audience through radio programmes and television appearances; as an economist and manager he worked in business and consultancy roles that informed his public-policy profile.
Political rise and vice presidency
In late 2018 the office of the vice presidency became vacant, and Sonnenholzner was nominated to succeed María Vicuña. The National Assembly approved his appointment and he assumed the role of vice president on 11 December 2018. During his tenure he worked on economic and social policy initiatives and represented the executive branch domestically and abroad. He served during a period that included fiscal pressures and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected Ecuador strongly in 2020.
Resignation and later activity
Sonnenholzner resigned on 10 July 2020. He left office to pursue further political ambitions and to participate more actively in national political life. Since stepping down he has remained a visible figure in Ecuadorian public affairs, speaking on economic and governance issues and maintaining a presence in media and political debates.
Notable facts and distinctions
- He became vice president at a relatively young age, drawing attention for his media background and communication skills.
- He succeeded María Vicuña after her resignation from the post.
- His appointment and service are part of broader political developments in Ecuador during President Lenín Moreno's administration; see the office of the Vice President of Ecuador for institutional context.
- He was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and a major economic center.
Otto Sonnenholzner's profile illustrates a modern path from media and business into high political office, reflecting the broader trend of communicators and technocrats taking leading roles in contemporary Latin American politics. His period in office is often discussed in relation to economic policy choices and the state response to public-health and fiscal challenges.