Sunovia hires new CEO

Sunovia Energy Technologies, a Sarasota-based firm specializing in solar and LED lighting technology, hired Art Buckland as its CEO effective Sept. 7, 2010.

Buckland brings an extensive resume of corporate activity to his newest position. Over the course of his career, he has raised $175 million in public and private capital to start nine companies; overseen the completion of 36 merger and acquisition-related transactions, worth a total exceeding $1.45 billion; and has led seven separate turnaround efforts.

In the late 1990s, Buckland turned a $5 million semiconductor technology company into a business that generated $147 million in annual revenues.

“I have spent my career developing and growing companies within the semiconductor and related systems markets, and the incredible potential of Sunovia's proprietary technologies and products is very clear,” Buckland said of his new firm.

Buckland replaces Carl Smith, who will remain with the company as chairman of the board.

“Art brings the executive pedigree and Wall Street credibility that I feel have been missing from the company,” Smith said of the new hire. “His experience and reputation with both institutional investors and large banks will be critical to the company as we enter a phase of rapid growth.”

Sunovia Energy Technologies was featured in a December 2009 issue of the Business Review.