TORONTO, ON (September 18, 2025) – The Daniels Corporation (“Daniels”), one of Canada’s leading privately held real estate development firms, today announced a series of executive appointments designed to position the company for long-term resilience and growth.
Jacob Cohen, who celebrates 20 years with Daniels this month, has been appointed President after serving as Chief Operating Officer for the past five years. In his new role, Cohen will continue to oversee the company’s day-to-day operations and lead the growth of its new home community portfolio, while expanding development and construction management services to meet the demand for purpose-built rental, seniors, student, and affordable housing.
Mitchell Cohen, who has served as both President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) for four decades, will remain CEO, continuing to advise the leadership team on strategic direction and advance advocacy efforts for affordable housing at both the local and national levels.
“Jacob brings a rare combination of operational expertise and strategic insight,” said Mitchell Cohen, CEO, The Daniels Corporation. “Over the past five years, he has led and inspired our team through the challenges of the pandemic, earning pinnacle industry awards along the way. Today, in the most challenging market our industry has seen, Jacob is steering the organization with a steadfast focus on the values that define us. His leadership continues the vision of our founder and late Chairman, John Daniels, whose passion for innovation, social responsibility, and community impact remains our guiding light. As President, Jacob is exceptionally well positioned to lead our company into its next forty years, building complete communities in which everyone is welcome, and everyone belongs.”
Building on this leadership evolution, Daniels announced two additional executive appointments and expanded roles for two other C-suite executives.
- Ginette Battikha has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, transitioning from her previous role as Vice President of People and Culture. In this new role, Battikha will oversee operational integration across departments and drive strategy execution, ensuring Daniels continues to operate with efficiency, agility, and a values and people-first culture.
- Gokul Pisharoty, who has been with Daniels for 19 years and most recently served as Senior Vice President of Contracts and Estimating, has been named the company’s first Chief Construction Officer. This newly created role will further strengthen and expand Daniels’ leadership in construction management, supporting the consistent delivery of new communities with precision and quality.
- Remo Agostino, Chief Development Officer, will now oversee Daniels’ Social Impact, Sustainability and Urban Design and Architecture groups, while continuing to lead all development functions across the company’s real estate portfolio.
- Mike Matunin, Chief Financial Officer, will assume expanded responsibility for Daniels’ Investments division, in addition to overseeing the company’s overall financial strategy and fiscal operations.