Key moments
David Simon, the influential chairman, president, and CEO of Simon Property Group, passed away on March 22, 2026, at the age of 64 after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. His death marks a significant loss for the retail real estate industry, where he was a transformative figure.
Under Simon’s leadership, which began in 1995, Simon Property Group evolved from a regional real estate business into the largest mall ownership group in the world, owning or holding interests in more than 250 properties. This remarkable growth is underscored by a staggering cumulative total shareholder return of over 4,500 percent since the company’s IPO, a testament to Simon’s strategic vision and business acumen.
Born into a family with a rich history in real estate, David Simon was the son of Melvin Simon, who founded Melvin Simon & Associates in 1960. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1983 and an MBA from Columbia University in 1985, Simon joined the family business as CFO in 1990. His ascent to the role of CEO in 1995 marked the beginning of a transformative era for the company.
Simon was not only recognized for his business achievements but also for his leadership style. He was acknowledged as one of the world’s best-performing CEOs by Harvard Business Review in both 2010 and 2013. His ability to negotiate and maintain strong relationships with retail partners was noted by many in the industry, including Michael Gould, who described him as a “hard negotiator and tough landlord, but forthright and honest.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Simon was a devoted family man. He was married to Jackie Simon for over 40 years and was a proud father of five children. His family released a statement saying, “Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother poured his heart and soul into building Simon Property Group,” highlighting the personal dedication he brought to both his family and his work.
Following his passing, Eli Simon, his son, was named the new CEO and president of Simon Property Group, ensuring that the legacy of innovation and growth initiated by David Simon will continue. William T. Dillard 2nd remarked, “David took a company that his father and uncles started and built it into a dominant retail real estate company. He will be missed,” reflecting the profound impact Simon had on the industry.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, David Simon’s contributions will be remembered as pivotal in shaping the future of retail real estate. His extraordinary intellect, relentless drive for excellence, and unmatched strategic vision transformed a privately held family business into an esteemed global institution. The industry mourns the loss of a visionary leader whose influence will be felt for years to come.
