Key moments
David Simon, the esteemed chairman, president, and CEO of Simon Property Group, passed away on March 22, 2026, at the age of 64 after a 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 when he became CEO 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. His strategic vision and relentless drive for excellence led to a remarkable cumulative total shareholder return of over 4,500 percent since the company’s IPO.
David Simon was born into a legacy of real estate, being the son of Melvin Simon, who founded Melvin Simon & Associates in 1960. David joined the family business in 1990 as CFO before ascending to the role of CEO. His educational background included a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1983 and an MBA from Columbia University in 1985, which equipped him with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the real estate market.
Throughout his three decades at the helm, Simon was recognized as one of the world’s best-performing CEOs by the Harvard Business Review in both 2010 and 2013. His leadership style was characterized by a combination of hard negotiation skills and a commitment to honesty, earning him respect from peers and partners alike. Michael Gould, a retail partner, remarked, “He was a hard negotiator and tough landlord, but forthright and honest.”
In his personal life, Simon was married to Jackie Simon for over 40 years and was a devoted father to 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.” This sentiment reflects not only his dedication to his family but also to his professional legacy.
Following his passing, Eli Simon, David’s son, was named the new CEO and president of Simon Property Group, ensuring that the family legacy continues. William T. Dillard 2nd, a fellow industry leader, expressed his condolences, stating, “David took a company that his father and uncles started and built it into a dominant retail real estate company. He will be missed.”
David Simon’s extraordinary intellect and unmatched strategic vision transformed a privately held family business into an esteemed global institution. His impact on the retail landscape and the lives of those he worked with will be felt for years to come. As the industry reflects on his contributions, it is clear that his legacy will endure through the continued success of Simon Property Group and the values he instilled in his family and colleagues.
