Key moments
David Simon, the 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 the end of an era for one of the largest retail real estate companies in the world, which he led for three decades.
Under Simon’s leadership, Simon Property Group transformed from a regional real estate business into a dominant force in the retail sector, owning or holding interests in more than 250 properties. He became CEO in 1995 and was instrumental in delivering a cumulative total shareholder return of over 4,500 percent since the company’s initial public offering. This remarkable achievement underscores his strategic vision and business acumen.
David Simon was born into a family with deep roots in real estate; he was the son of Melvin Simon, who founded Melvin Simon & Associates in 1960. David joined the family business as CFO in 1990, after obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1983 and an MBA from Columbia University in 1985. His ascent in the company was marked by a relentless drive for excellence, which earned him recognition as one of the world’s best-performing CEOs by Harvard Business Review in both 2010 and 2013.
Following his passing, Eli Simon, David’s son, has been named the new CEO and president of Simon Property Group. This transition reflects the family’s ongoing commitment to the company and its legacy. The Simon family expressed their grief, stating, “Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother poured his heart and soul into building Simon Property Group.” The sentiment shared by the family highlights the personal and professional impact David had on those around him.
Industry peers also shared their condolences and reflections on Simon’s contributions. 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.” Michael Gould, who worked closely with Simon, noted, “He was a great partner in the malls where we had stores. He was a hard negotiator and tough landlord, but forthright and honest.” Such tributes underscore the respect he garnered in the business community.
David Simon’s legacy is not only defined by his business achievements but also by his family life. He was married to Jackie Simon for over 40 years and was a devoted father to five children. His family has been a cornerstone of his life, and their support during his illness was evident.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, Simon’s influence will be felt for years to come. His extraordinary intellect and unmatched strategic vision transformed a privately held family business into an esteemed global institution. The future of Simon Property Group under Eli Simon’s leadership will be closely watched as the company navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.
David Simon’s passing is a significant loss to the real estate industry and to all who knew him. His contributions to retail real estate and his legacy as a leader will not be forgotten. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any specific initiatives or changes that may be implemented under the new leadership, but the foundation laid by David Simon will undoubtedly guide the company forward.