Idealyst Innovation Welcomes Chimdi Chekwa as Vice President of Foresight, Bringing Strategic Vision and Diverse Expertise to the Future of Agriculture
- bciviello
- May 1
- 2 min read
Updated: May 6
Idealyst Innovation proudly announces the appointment of Chimdi Chekwa as Vice President of Foresight, effective April 15, 2025. With a unique background spanning intelligence strategy, agrifood systems, professional sports, and entrepreneurship, Chimdi brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the evolving landscape of agriculture and innovation.
In his role, Chimdi will lead the development of foresight-driven intelligence to support innovation, thought leadership, and strategic solutions across the agribusiness sector. He joins Idealyst Innovation following impactful roles at The Directions Group and Aimpoint Research, where he honed his ability to translate global intelligence into actionable insight for industry leaders.
Chimdi’s professional journey is anything but conventional. After earning a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University—where he was a standout football and track athlete—he went on to play six seasons in the NFL. Post-NFL, he earned an MBA from the University of Miami and launched several successful ventures as a restaurateur, real estate investor, and early-stage startup backer. His career reflects a deep commitment to strategic thinking, adaptability, and performance under pressure.
At Idealyst, Chimdi is eager to bring that same mindset to agriculture. “I’m excited to help shape how we think about the future of food and farming—not just by analyzing trends, but by creating foresight that leads to real, tangible impact for farmers and rural communities,” said Chekwa. “Innovation isn’t just about new ideas—it’s about anticipating what’s coming and preparing people to thrive in it.”
“Chimdi brings a dynamic and forward-thinking energy to our team,” said Brett Sciotto, CEO of Idealyst Innovation. “His experience across business intelligence, entrepreneurship, and elite athletics gives him a rare ability to navigate complexity and lead with both precision and vision. We’re thrilled to have him on board as we deepen our capacity to anticipate the challenges and opportunities ahead for American farmers and identify the innovations that will shape the future of agriculture.”
Idealyst Innovation empowers American farmers and ranchers by solving on-farm challenges and unlocking new opportunities through innovation, delivered by their most trusted partners. Their unique alliance foresees and understands risks, solves problems, and engages solutions for farmers and ranchers to survive, thrive, and endure.
