TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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 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.
This leadership evolution reflects Daniels’ commitment to accelerating innovation and delivering value to all stakeholders.
“I am deeply honored to take on the role of President and help shape the company’s next era of growth and innovation,” said Jacob Cohen, President, The Daniels Corporation. “These appointments reflect our commitment to nurturing internal talent and strengthening leadership as we embrace new opportunities. This team has shaped an inclusive culture where people are empowered to deliver their best. I look forward to building on that foundation as we expand our construction management services and continue delivering exceptional results, rooted in our values and people-first culture.”
About The Daniels Corporation
The Daniels Corporation, one of Canada’s preeminent real estate development firms, has built nearly 40,000 homes across the Greater Toronto Area for over 40 years. In 2025, the company was named BILD’s Home Builder of the Year in recognition of its longstanding commitment to quality, innovation, and to creating vibrant, inclusive communities. Daniels is the developer of TIFF Lightbox in Toronto’s Entertainment District and the City of the Arts community on Toronto’s East Bayfront. Among its many initiatives, Daniels partnered with Toronto Community Housing to revitalize 53 of the 69-acre Regent Park community in Toronto, now home to the World Urban Pavilion, a collaboration between the Urban Economy Forum, UN-Habitat, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Daniels. Recognized for its leadership, professionalism, and commitment to design excellence, construction quality, and customer care, Daniels goes beyond building homes. With a deep understanding that quality of life is created by more than physical structures, it integrates building excellence with opportunities for social, cultural, and economic well-being.
Contacts
Media
Emily Ellis
Account Director
Kaiser & Partners Inc.
[email protected]
