The Daniels Corporation has named Jacob Cohen as its new president, taking over from Mitchell Cohen. The Toronto-based development firm also announced two additional executive appointments and expanded roles for two other executives.

Jacob Cohen, who has been with Daniels for over 20 years and served five years as chief operating officer, will oversee the company’s daily operations and lead growth of its new home community portfolio, a release states. He is also tasked with expanding development and construction management services for purpose-built rental, seniors, student, and affordable housing.

“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,” Mitchell Cohen, CEO of Daniels Corporation, said.

Mitchell Cohen, who served as president and CEO of Daniels for four decades, will remain CEO. He will continue to “advise the leadership team on strategic direction and advance advocacy efforts for affordable housing at both the local and national levels,” according to the release.

Daniels, which has developed almost 40,000 homes across the Greater Toronto Area for over 40 years, is known for projects such as revitalizing 53 acres of the Regent Park community in Toronto. It was named one of the homebuilders of the year by Building Industry and Land Development in May.

About Jacob Cohen

Jacob Cohen is the son of Mitchell Cohen. He started his career in Daniels as a low-rise site coordinator in 2005, and moved his way up to managerial roles. Before being named COO in September 2020, he was vice-president of project implementation for over four years.

“I am deeply honoured to take on the role of president and help shape the company’s next era of growth and innovation,” Jacob Cohen said.

He holds a BA in English from McGill University.

Daniels elevates Battikha as new COO, appoints first chief construction officer

Daniels also unveiled Ginette Battikha as COO to take over from Jacob Cohen, and Gokul Pisharoty as its first chief construction officer.

Remo Agostino, chief development officer, has been moved to manage Daniels’ social impact, sustainability and urban design and architecture groups. CFO Mike Matunin will assume expanded responsibility for Daniels’ investments division.

Battikha has a background in human resources. She started in Daniels as director of people and culture, then vice-president of people and culture.

Pisharoty, who has a degree in architectural engineering, was last the senior vice-president of contracts and estimating. He has been with the company for over 19 years.

Agostino has been with Daniels for almost 22 years, starting as a manager of development in November 2003. He served as vice-president of development for over 10 years, between June 2013 to November 2023.

Matunin worked for CIBC and CMLS Financial before taking a director of finance role at Daniels starting February 2020.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to nurturing internal talent and strengthening leadership as we embrace new opportunities,” Jacob Cohen said.