Key moments
David Simon, the prominent CEO of Simon Property Group, passed away on March 22, 2026, at the age of 64 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His death marks a significant loss for the retail real estate industry, where he was a transformative figure.
Simon was appointed CEO of Simon Property Group at the young age of 33, making him one of the youngest CEOs of a major publicly traded company in America. Under his leadership, the company grew to become the largest retail real estate company in the world, owning or holding interests in over 250 properties that comprise more than 200 million square feet across North America, Europe, and Asia.
David Simon joined Melvin Simon and Associates as chief financial officer in 1990, and he played a pivotal role in orchestrating the company’s initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 1993, which raised nearly $1 billion. His strategic vision and leadership transformed Simon Property Group from a regional real estate business into the largest mall ownership group globally.
At the time of his passing, Simon was surrounded by his family, including his wife Jackie, with whom he had been married for over 40 years, and their five children and seven grandchildren. The Simon family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they received, stating, “Our family is deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support we have received from across the globe.”
Following David Simon’s death, his eldest son, Eli Simon, was appointed as the new CEO and president of Simon Property Group. Additionally, Larry Glasscock was named as the non-executive chairman of the board. Glasscock remarked, “David Simon was, quite simply, the finest leader in the history of the retail real estate industry,” emphasizing the profound impact Simon had on the sector.
David Simon’s legacy transcends financial performance, as noted by Glasscock, highlighting that his contributions went beyond mere business metrics. He was a graduate of The Indiana University Kelley School of Business and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, and he was known for his commitment to his family and community.
The Simon family has requested privacy as they navigate their loss, and the industry mourns the passing of a leader who shaped the landscape of retail real estate. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any future initiatives or changes within Simon Property Group following this significant transition.
