David E. Simon was born in 1962 (62 years old) in the United States, specifically in Indianapolis, the capital of the state of Indiana. He is currently the CEO of Simon Property Group, a real estate company known for its consistent involvement in the development, management, acquisition, and expansion of regional and community shopping centers.
Simon first entered the company through his father, Melvin Simon, and later became its CEO and Chairman. Under his leadership, the firm continued to solidify its status as one of the dominant forces in the real estate and property sector.
Early Life and Education
Simon earned his undergraduate degree in business from Indiana University in the early 1980s. He later completed an MBA at Columbia University.
His relationship with Indiana University did not end after graduation. He remained connected to the Kelley School of Business by serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council.
In 2000, he was inducted into the Kelley School of Business Academy of Alumni Fellows. He also received the President’s Circle Laurel Pin as a benefactor, a distinction awarded by Indiana University to individuals who have reached a notable level of honor and contribution.
Career Beginnings
David Simon began his professional career at First Boston, a highly regarded investment bank based in New York.
He later worked as Vice President at Wasserstein Perella & Co. for over a decade until the late 1990s. This boutique investment bank was founded by former executives of First Boston Corp and specialized in high-level mergers and acquisitions.
It was during this period that Simon became involved with Simon Property Group.
Simon Property Group
In June 1990, Simon joined Simon Property Group through his father, Melvin Simon, a prominent businessman and co-founder of the company alongside his brother Herb Simon. At the time, he entered Melvin Simon & Associates, a precursor to Simon Property Group, as Chief Financial Officer.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he held various executive roles, first as CEO and later as President of the company. Simultaneously, he maintained a career in investment banking at two Wall Street firms, gaining specialized expertise in buyouts and corporate mergers.
Though the company initially focused on building shopping centers in Indianapolis, it later expanded its operations, becoming responsible for the development of large-scale regional malls.
Under Simon’s leadership, the company grew its presence well beyond the United States and North America. Simon Property Group now owns and operates properties across Europe and Asia, with millions of visitors and purchases recorded in its global portfolio.
In recent years, the company has sought innovative responses to the challenges posed by evolving consumer demands and new technologies. Confronted with the rise of online shopping, Simon Property Group aimed to improve the in-person experience by investing in digital solutions and building partnerships.
One such partnership was with Deliv, a new tech company offering same-day delivery services and tools to preview how products would look in customers’ homes before they completed a purchase.
Recognition and Current Role
Simon’s leadership, business decisions, and impact on the real estate and retail industries have earned him several distinctions.
He was recognized by Harvard Business Review as one of the world’s top-performing CEOs. Later, Barron’s, a leading financial and investment publication, also listed him among the best CEOs globally.
Recently, the company announced that Simon is undergoing cancer treatment but will continue his duties as CEO, Chairman, and President of the Board.
Simon Property Group remains the largest operator and owner of shopping centers in the United States, with an extensive portfolio of assets under its name.