David Simon, the Chief Executive Officer of shopping mall juggernaut Simon Property Group, has passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 64, according to a press release by the company’s board of directors released on Monday, March 23.
Eli Simon, David Simon’s son, was named as CEO on Monday; he had been named Chief Operating Officer in 2015, a position he will retain in addition to his new duties going forward.
David Simon served as CEO for 30 years, and under his leadership Simon Property Group amassed a portfolio consisting of over 250 properties across the world; in 2025, the company boasted earnings of $4.7 billion.
However, Simon was best known for being one of the most important and influential leaders in the U.S. mall industry.
Under David Simon’s leadership – he became CEO three decades ago at age 33 – the company grew from a regional real estate enterprise to a publicly traded REIT with stakes in more than 250 properties across North America, Europe and Asia. Funds from operations last year reached $4.7 billion.
Simon’s family released a statement on Monday, confirming that the real estate titan had passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 22.
“Our family is deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support we have received from across the globe,” Simon’s family said in a statement. “Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother poured his heart and soul into building Simon Property Group. He was most proud of his family, his wife of over 40 years, Jackie, and their 5 children: Eli, Rebecca, Hannah, Sam, and Noah, and 7 grandchildren. We ask for privacy as we grieve our great loss.”
