Sarasota-based shade structure manufacturer Apollo Sunguard has appointed Ernesto De Oliveira to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Vice President of Engineering. The appointment is part of the company’s succession planning and growth strategy for expanding its market share in the shade and electric vehicle (EV) charging station industries. Kevin Connelly, President of Apollo Sunguard, says, “Ernesto has more than 25 years of specialized experience in the field of permanent shade and tensile membrane structure and a thorough understanding of our customers’ needs for shade solutions in response to global warming and urban heat islands. He is uniquely positioned to serve as COO of Apollo Sunguard and run the company’s operations.”

Apollo Sunguard was selected last year by the City of Sarasota's Parks and Recreation department to install new shade sails at the Lido Beach concession area. Other projects completed by Apollo Sunguard in the Sarasota area include shade installations at Nathan Benderson Park, Ed Smith Stadium, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Centennial Park in downtown Venice. Their shades can also be seen at numerous schools and parks throughout Sarasota County and the State of Florida.