Why did Cox choose Panama for its Americas headquarters? The Spanish water and energy company announced on September 16, 2026 that Panama will host its new regional headquarters for the Americas. From here, Cox will coordinate an investment plan of more than $7 billion in water and energy projects across North, Central and South America.
The company pointed to Panama’s geographic position, its connectivity and its role as a meeting point for banks, multilateral lenders and international companies.
What Exactly Is Moving to Panama?
Cox is splitting its structure in three. Spain keeps the global corporate headquarters and the Service Co, which provides central services to the group. Mexico keeps direct management of its local assets, many of them acquired from Iberdrola’s Mexican subsidiary.
Panama becomes the regional platform for the Americas and home of the Asset Co, the unit that coordinates the development, investment and management of the group’s main projects and assets on the continent.
Executive chairman Enrique Riquelme will divide his time between Panama and Spain to oversee investments more directly and speed up decisions on American projects.
How Big Is Cox’s Business in the Americas?
The Americas already account for about 95% of Cox’s activity, according to the company. Its regional portfolio includes:
| Country | Project | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Rosarito desalination plant | Expected to be the largest desalination plant in Latin America |
| Mexico | Former Iberdrola Mexico assets | Acquisition that sharply increased the group’s size in the region |
| Brazil | Electric transmission | More than 2,500 km of lines across six projects |
| Panama | Santa Cruz Wind | 68.4 MW wind farm with a 20-year supply contract |
| Guatemala | Energy projects | New projects announced in recent months |
Cox has been listed on the Spanish stock exchanges since November 2024.
What Is Cox Building in Panama?
Panama is not just an office address for Cox. In July, the company won a tender run by the state-owned Empresa de Transmisión Eléctrica (ETESA) to supply about 5.22 TWh of wind energy over 20 years, a contract worth more than $350 million.
The power will come from Santa Cruz Wind, a project with 12 wind turbines, 68.4 MW of installed capacity and estimated output of 260 GWh per year. Local media place the project in Coclé province. The energy will help supply Panama’s main electricity distributors.
What Does a Regional Headquarters Mean for Panama?
Cox joins a long list of multinationals that run their Latin American operations from Panama City. The country’s dollarized economy, its air connections through Tocumen and its banking center have made it a natural base for regional management, a trend covered in our look at Panama’s rise as a regional investment hub.
Cox has not disclosed how many employees will be based in Panama. Regional headquarters typically bring senior executives, finance and engineering teams, and a steady flow of visiting staff, lenders and partners.
The announcement also lands during a strong economic stretch. Panama’s economy grew 6.4% in the second quarter of 2026 and 5.5% in the first half, according to the national statistics institute (INEC).
Where Do Relocating Executives Tend to Live?
Executives who move to Panama for regional roles usually look for short commutes to the business districts, international schools and secure, amenity-rich buildings. Areas that consistently draw this demand include Costa del Este, Punta Pacifica, Obarrio and Panama Pacifico.
Many start by renting furnished apartments on corporate leases before deciding whether to buy. For owners of well-located units, each new regional office adds to that pool of long-term, high-quality tenants.
If you are relocating to Panama for work or considering a rental investment in the city’s executive neighborhoods, Casa Solution can help you compare areas, rents and properties that fit your plans.
Article written: September 18, 2026
