Mitchell Gimena Steps In as New CEO of Farm Konekt, Succeeding John Vincent Gastanes

Farm Konekt, the pioneering agri-tech platform connecting farmers and fisherfolks to markets, financing, and digital tools, has announced a significant leadership transition. Mitchell Gimena, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder, has officially taken over as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding John Vincent Gastanes, who will now venture into a higher level of service to further expand the company’s mission on a broader scale.

Gimena’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Farm Konekt. Recently, he and the Farm Konekt leadership team traveled to Brunei Darussalam to personally meet and strengthen ties with the company’s foreign partners, formally endorsing him as the new CEO. This move underscores Farm Konekt’s commitment to seamless leadership continuity and its long-term vision of building stronger cross-border partnerships across the BIMP-EAGA region.

As CMO, Gimena has been instrumental in positioning Farm Konekt as one of the most trusted agri-tech platforms in Southeast Asia. He has led impactful marketing campaigns, nurtured vital partnerships, and driven the company’s community-focused initiatives—connecting thousands of smallholder farmers and fisherfolks to markets, buyers, and opportunities.

In his new role as CEO, Gimena will focus on scaling Farm Konekt’s farmer and fisherfolk clustering model, expanding its digital integration, and deepening its work in empowering rural communities through technology and market access.

“Taking on this role is a privilege and a calling,” Gimena said. “Our mission is clear—to create meaningful, lasting impact for our farmers and fisherfolks, not just locally, but regionally. With the support of our partners here and abroad, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and community development.”

Outgoing CEO John Vincent Gastanes, who co-founded Farm Konekt alongside Gimena, expressed his confidence in the leadership transition. “Mitchell has the vision, the heart, and the strategic mindset to lead Farm Konekt into its next chapter. As I take on a broader role to elevate our mission and engage with global stakeholders, I know the company’s future is in capable hands.”

This transition marks a new chapter for Farm Konekt as it strengthens its role as a champion for inclusive, tech-enabled agriculture—proving that with the right leadership, innovation, and collaboration, farmers and fisherfolks can thrive in both local and global markets.