Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), the Edinburgh-headquartered agricultural infrastructure business, has welcomed seasoned business leader and attorney, Andrea Zopp, to its board. Ms Zopp joins IGS’ non-executive team to help drive forward the business’ global expansion as it builds capacity to deploy its vertical farming machines to customers on four continents.

Ms Zopp is an experienced business leader and attorney with significant transaction, litigation and human capital experience, having worked as a trusted advisor to CEOs and executive teams at a number of publicly traded companies.

In her current executive role as Managing Partner at Chicago-headquartered venture fund and IGS institutional investor, Cleveland Avenue, Ms Zopp leads the company’s work investing in and supporting minority and women entrepreneurs and their businesses.

With many countries developing national food security strategies there is an increasing emphasis on sustainable food production. This is driving a rapid maturing of the vertical farming industry, generating significant levels of momentum from customers, consumers and investors. IGS’ strategic position, as a provider of infrastructure, fits very well with these developments enabling the company to enter multiple regional markets this year.

Talking about her decision to join IGS’ non-executive team, Ms Zopp commented: “IGS is an innovative, technology driven leader serving the vertical farming industry, a critical sector for addressing food security across the globe. I am excited to have the opportunity to join the board as the company focuses on accelerating its market expansion and growth.”

David Farquhar, Chief Executive Officer at IGS, added: “Andy is a hugely welcome addition to our non-executive leadership team at IGS as we look to the next chapter in our history. She joins us at a pivotal juncture as we look to inspire more women, especially in STEM roles, join this very exciting voyage. On her last visit to Scotland, Andy was keen to give her time to meet with our current and aspiring women leaders: this was a wonderful, inspirational event.

“She brings with her a wealth of experience and a depth of perspective that will help reframe our governance and ensure that the business is fit for purpose as we take on this challenge. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to tap into her knowledge and insights and know she will help us achieve our vision of helping to combat global food insecurity.”

Ms Zopp holds a BA in History of Science from Harvard College and a JD from Harvard Law School. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, working out in the gym, reading, and musical theatre.