David Simon, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Simon Property Group, died on March 22, 2026, at the age of 64, following a period of illness. He led the company for more than three decades and was a central figure in the development of modern retail real estate, including its expansion into European markets.
Simon joined the predecessor company, Melvin Simon & Associates, in 1990 as Chief Financial Officer after working in investment banking at First Boston and Wasserstein Perella & Co. In 1993, he led the company’s initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. He became Chief Executive Officer in 1995.
During his tenure, the company expanded significantly in both scale and geographic reach. Through acquisitions such as DeBartolo Realty Corporation, Corporate Property Investors, Chelsea Property Group, The Mills Corporation and Taubman Centers, Simon Property Group assembled a large portfolio of shopping centers, outlet centers and mixed-use developments across North America, Europe and Asia.
Shaping Europe’s Retail Landscape
In Europe, Simon played a key role in shaping the outlet sector and strengthening cross-border investment activity. Through its long-standing partnership with Klépierre — where Simon served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board — the company deepened its presence in continental Europe and contributed to the professionalization and institutionalization of the shopping center market.
Simon’s strategy emphasized scale, international capital flows and active asset management, elements that became increasingly characteristic of European retail real estate over the past two decades.
Leadership and Legacy
Simon also directed substantial investment into redevelopment and repositioning of assets, reflecting broader structural changes in retail. This included the evolution of shopping centers into mixed-use destinations combining retail, leisure and dining — an approach that influenced asset strategies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Under his leadership, the company navigated periods of market disruption, including the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of his death, Simon Property Group owned or held interests in more than 250 properties comprising over 200 million square feet.
Simon served on the board of Apollo Global Management and was recognized by Harvard Business Review and Barron’s among leading global CEOs during his career. He held a B.S. from Indiana University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.
Simon is survived by his wife, Jackie, their five children and seven grandchildren. His son, Eli Simon, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and President following his death.
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