Eli Simon Appointed CEO of Simon Property Following David Simon’s Passing
Simon Property Group announced the death of Chairman, CEO and President David Simon. He died peacefully on March 22, 2026 in Indianapolis. He was 64 and had been battling cancer.
Leadership transition
The Board named Eli Simon as chief executive and president, effective immediately. The board announced Eli Simon Appointed CEO of Simon Property Following David Simon’s Passing.
Eli will also remain chief operating officer and continue serving as a director. The Board appointed Larry Glasscock as Non-Executive Chairman.
The Board cited long-standing succession planning and expressed full confidence in the executive team. Company operations will continue without interruption.
The legacy of David Simon
David Simon transformed a family firm into the world’s largest retail real estate company. He joined Melvin Simon & Associates as chief financial officer in 1990.
At age 31, he led the company’s 1993 IPO, raising nearly $1 billion. He became CEO in 1995 at age 33.
- Major acquisitions included DeBartolo Realty Corporation.
- Other deals included Corporate Property Investors and Chelsea Property Group.
- He also acquired the Mills Corporation and Taubman Centers.
Under his leadership, total shareholder return since the IPO exceeded 4,500 percent. The company grew to hold interests in over 250 properties.
Those assets totaled more than 200 million square feet across North America, Europe, and Asia. The portfolio generated billions in annual revenue.
Simon invested heavily to make properties experiential destinations. He guided the company through the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic.
David held roles abroad, including chairing Klépierre’s supervisory board and a seat on Apollo Global Management’s board. He earned frequent industry honors.
Harvard Business Review named him a top-performing CEO in 2010 and 2013. Barron’s honored him in 2013 as well.
He maintained strong credit ratings and returned billions to shareholders via dividends. His balance sheet discipline supported strategic growth.
Education shaped his career. He graduated from Indiana University Kelley School of Business in 1983. He earned an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1985.
Before joining the family business, he worked as an investment banker at First Boston and Wasserstein Perella.
Philanthropy and memorial details
The Simon family thanked supporters and asked for privacy while they grieve. Memorial arrangements will be announced later by the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to several organizations. Those groups include:
- Anti-Defamation League
- American Jewish Committee
- UJA Federation of New York
- Foundation to Combat Antisemitism
Family
David Simon was married to his wife Jackie for more than 40 years. They had five children: Eli, Rebecca, Hannah, Sam, and Noah.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren. The family said he was most proud of them.
Filmogaz.com will provide updates as the family releases more information. The company and industry mourn a defining leader.
