Company gears up for worldwide growth under its newly appointed leadership
Babylon Micro-Farms, widely regarded as a pioneer in on-site indoor farming, has named Marc Oshima as its new Chief Executive Officer following a comprehensive search.
With over 300 micro-farms already operating across 40 states and five countries, Babylon Micro-Farms aims to build on its strong momentum from 2024 and scale to meet growing demand for fresh, locally-grown produce in diverse settings such as corporate dining, education, healthcare, hospitality, and senior living.
Based in Richmond, Virginia, the organization credits its success to award-winning technology and customer support that simplify indoor farming at the point of use.
“I am delighted to have been appointed CEO to lead Babylon Micro-Farms and build on the original vision of the founders Alexander Oleson and Graham Smith to simplify on-site indoor farming and provide more access to good food. It is a business with an impressive set of customers from Aramark to Compass Group to Sodexo across key verticals like corporate dining, education, healthcare, hospitality, and senior living. There is a tremendous opportunity to scale further and to nourish our communities with great-tasting, locally-grown produce.”
Marc Oshima, CEO, Babylon Micro-Farms
This vision for expansion follows a year of robust performance in 2024 and lays the groundwork for long-term growth in 2025.
Oshima comes to Babylon Micro-Farms with a proven track record in scaling innovation across consumer-packaged goods (CPG), media, and retail.
He played a leading role in the development of indoor farming as Board Chair for the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Alliance and co-founder of AeroFarms, an early trailblazer in vertical farming.
During his tenure at AeroFarms, he helped drive annual sales to over $25 million, partnering with top-tier retail and food service providers.
Under his guidance, AeroFarms gained recognition from Fast Company as one of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” and was included on its “Brands that Matter” list, while also earning honors from Fortune for “Change the World” and Time for “Best Inventions in Food.”
His passion for a more sustainable and equitable food system is reflected in his service on boards and advisory roles at organizations such as Food for Climate League, Culinary Institute of America and International Fresh Produce Association, United Fresh.
In addition to Oshima’s appointment, the leadership team and Board of Directors at Babylon Micro-Farms believe the company’s model is primed for further impact.
The business has secured consistent funding and expanded its reach into multiple industry sectors by offering turnkey indoor farming solutions that require minimal technical expertise.
“We are excited to welcome Marc Oshima to Babylon Micro-Farms. He is a dynamic, values-driven leader with extensive indoor farming experience, deep relationships within our target markets and is best equipped to take our business to the next level. Babylon Micro-Farms is just finishing a round of financing and is well positioned for the future with committed investors who fundamentally believe in the company’s mission and ability to execute. The Board is looking forward to working closely with Marc Oshima and his team to drive long-term growth and value.”
Chris Meyers of Hull Street Capital, Board Director
Oshima takes the helm from outgoing CEO Marc Oosterhuis, who served Babylon Micro-Farms for six years, first as Chief Operating Officer and later as Chief Executive Officer.
Although stepping down from his leadership post, Oosterhuis will remain involved as a trusted advisor to assist in a smooth transition.
His tenure oversaw the early phases of product development, sales expansion, and brand-building, allowing the new CEO to inherit a robust framework for domestic and international development.
