David Simon, Visionary CEO of Simon Property Group, Passes Away at 64

David Simon, the chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Simon Property Group, passed away on March 22, 2026, after a battle with cancer. He was 64 years old. Following his death, the board of directors appointed his son, Eli Simon, as the new CEO and president, while Eli will continue to serve as chief operating officer. This transition marks a continuation of the family's leadership within the company, which David Simon transformed into the largest retail real estate investment trust (REIT) in the world.

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David Simon joined Melvin Simon & Associates, the predecessor of Simon Property Group, as chief financial officer in 1990. He became CEO in 1995 at the age of 33, making him one of the youngest leaders of a major publicly traded company. Under his leadership, Simon Property Group expanded its portfolio to include over 250 properties across North America, Europe, and Asia, generating billions in annual revenue. The company is known for its high-profile malls, including King of Prussia in Pennsylvania, Roosevelt Field in New York, and Sawgrass Mills in Florida.

Bloomberg

Throughout his tenure, Simon was instrumental in executing significant acquisitions, including DeBartolo Realty Corporation, Chelsea Property Group, and Taubman Centers. His strategic vision and ability to adapt to market changes helped the company thrive during challenging times, including the rise of e-commerce and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shopping center magnate David Simon dies at 64

In a statement, the Simon family expressed their gratitude for the support received during this difficult time, highlighting David's dedication to building Simon Property Group and his pride in his family. Larry Glasscock, the newly appointed non-executive chairman of the board, remarked on Simon's extraordinary legacy, stating, “David’s extraordinary intellect, his relentless drive for excellence, and his unmatched strategic vision transformed a privately held family business into an esteemed global institution.”

WWD

While Simon was widely respected, some critics have pointed to the aggressive strategies employed by Simon Property Group, including pressure on retailers to sign leases for more locations than they desired. Simon consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that his focus was on creating mutually beneficial partnerships.

David Simon Dies at 64 After Cancer Battle

With Eli Simon now at the helm, the company is expected to continue its growth trajectory. Recent reports indicated that Simon Property Group achieved record funds from operations of $4.8 billion in 2025, with plans for further expansion and redevelopment of its properties. The board has expressed confidence in Eli Simon's leadership abilities and the strength of the executive management team.

Simon Property Group CEO David Simon Dies at 64; Eli Simon Takes Over

• “David Simon was, quite simply, the finest leader in the history of the retail real estate industry,” — Larry Glasscock, Non-Executive Chairman

Bloomberg

• “poured his heart and soul into building Simon Property Group.” — Simon Family Statement

Indianapolis Star

• “ “David took a company that his father and uncles started and built it into a dominant retail real estate company.” — William T. Dillard 2nd, Chairman and CEO of Dillard’s Inc.

WWD