An Edinburgh-headquartered AgriTech business has appointed its first CFO as it plots international expansion.
IGS, a pioneer in vertical farming, welcomes Sarah Willis into the role, which it says will be pivotal as the company looks to expand its operating base over the coming 12 months.
Willis will provide operational support and ensure corporate governance and reporting structures are fit for purpose. She will be responsible for the company’s financial management, HR, admin support and new office development, working closely with IGS CEO David Farquhar and the board.
Sarah joins IGS from Spirit Energy, where, as Head of Finance Operations, she was responsible for the financial integrity of the company which generated over £1bn of revenues.
Prior to that, Sarah was in senior management overseeing operational and financial performance at Centrica E&P in the UK and Europe.
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’s strategic position fits very well with these developments enabling the company to enter multiple regional markets this year.
“The opportunity to be part of a business like IGS is really exciting. The combination of the talented team, the incredibly innovative technology and the prodigious industry growth was compelling for me,” she said.
“The company has achieved remarkable progress to date, reflecting its purposeful approach and hugely passionate team. I believe strongly in the guardianship of the planet – we must leave it in a better place for the next generation – and businesses like IGS are genuinely committed to this belief and have embedded this in its approach so well.
“I am delighted that I can be part of this ambitious team to help support a positive evolution in food production for the future.”
Farquhar commented: “Sarah is a hugely welcome addition to the leadership team at IGS, as we seek to further diversify and expand the talent across our organisation.
“She joins our business at a crucial and pivotal point in our evolution, bringing us a fresh perspective from the energy industry particularly, whilst expanding her own capabilities and leadership skills in her first CFO role.
“The IGS growth curve is steepening sharply and Sarah’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to deliver optimum results for our investors, customers and partners.
“Sarah’s international experience is world class, given her career in highly regulated, quoted companies across multiple geographies. Her leadership will be vital in helping us efficiently manage significant expansion.”