Marc Oshima has been named CEO of Richmond, Va.-based Babylon Micro-Farms, an on-site indoor farming company with over 300 micro-farms across 40 states and five countries.
“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,” Oshima said in a news release. “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.”
With a career focused on scaling innovation across CPG, media and retail, Oshima has been a pioneering force for the indoor farming space, having served as board chair for the CEA Alliance and as co-founder of vertical grower AeroFarms, the release said.
At AeroFarms, Oshima was responsible for driving its commercial success to over $25 million in annual sales partnering with leading retail and food service companies. During his tenure, AeroFarms was recognized by Fast Company as one of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” and “Brands that Matter” as well as by Fortune on its “Change the World” list, and by Time for “Best Inventions in Food.”
Passionate about improving the food system to make it more sustainable and equitable, Oshima has also served on board and advisory roles for the Food for Climate League, Culinary Institute of America, International Fresh Produce Association, United Fresh, Produce Marketing Association, CEA Food Safety Coalition, Chefs Collaborative, Montclair State Food Program, and Food Bank for NYC, the company said.
Babylon Micro-Farms said that, due to award-winning technology and customer service, it experienced strong year-over-year growth in 2024 and has a strong foundation to accelerate sales even further in 2025 and beyond.
“We are excited to welcome Marc Oshima to Babylon Micro-Farms,” said board director Chris Meyers of Hull Street Capital. “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.”
Oshima will succeed Marc Oosterhuis, who decided to step down after six years of service most recently as CEO and previously chief operating officer, according to the release. Babylon Micro-Farms said Oosterhuis will continue to be a trusted adviser during the transition.
