[5] After Chávez expropriated ExxonMobil's assets within Venezuela, in 2006 Vecchio's boss offered him a position in Qatar that included a pay increase, an assigned house and car, a company share package and more benefits.

[6] In 2006, Vecchio grew opposed to the economic policy of the Hugo Chávez administration and began to think about being involved in Venezuelan politics.

[7][3] With López imprisoned by the Venezuelan government, Vecchio was serving as leader of the party, when he was charged with incitement to violence.

“They dismantled everything, but we need to recover all of it legally because I want to have in the official record how we received those assets, to show the Venezuelan people what they did.”[3] Michael Shifter told The Washington Diplomat that Vecchio is "extremely impressive and sharp ... He’s got the background, skills and temperament for the job ...  he’s level-headed and realistic, and he’s been in this fight for a long time.

"[3] The director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, Jason Marczak, said "he’s eloquent and articulate, and he’s able to maneuver in different circles", and that he will need to educate "folks like Bernie Sanders and others on the Hill who have started becoming critical of U.S. policy there.