Retail Titan Behind Major NY Malls Dies At 64: 'He Inspired Everyone'

The longtime leader behind some of the Northeast's most prominent malls has died after "a courageous battle" with cancer. Simon Property Group announced the death of president and CEO David Simon on Monday, March 23. The Indianapolis native was 64 years old. According to a news release, Simon died "peacefully" and "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." Eli Simon will take over as CEO while continuing in his role as chief operating officer. "There are no words adequate to express the depth of our sorrow or the magnitude of our gratitude," said Larry Glasscock, non-executive chair of the company's board. "David Simon was, quite simply, the finest leader in the history of the retail real estate industry. His extraordinary intellect, his relentless drive for excellence, and his unmatched strategic vision transformed a privately held family business into an esteemed global institution -- creating billions of dollars in value for shareholders along the way." Simon's career in finance began on Wall Street after getting his Master of Business Administration from Columbia University. He joined the family business, which was previously named Melvin Simon & Associates, as chief financial officer in 1990. At just 33, Simon became the company's CEO in 1995. Under his leadership, he helped Simon Property Group grow into a real estate giant with more than 250 properties worldwide. Simon also oversaw the company as many of its locations transformed from traditional indoor malls into more modern retail centers. "David's legacy transcends financial performance," said Glasscock. "He was a leader of uncommon integrity, fierce loyalty, and deep personal conviction. He inspired everyone around him to reach higher, think bigger, and never settle. He set the standard -- not just for our company, but for an entire industry." Simon was also known for a brash style that defied industry critics who believe malls can't thrive in the 2020s. The Wall Street Journal called Simon a "mall king who was both feared and admired." In February 2026, Simon even spoke about how President Donald Trump's widespread tariffs have hurt retailers of all sizes. "Long story short, it probably put more pressure on retailers than should be, and it's gonna end up hurting the small guys," he said on an earnings call. Simon Property Group owns 58 malls and shopping centers across the Northeast: Connecticut * Clinton Premium Outlets - Clinton * Westfarms - West Hartford Delaware * Dover Commons - Dover * Dover Mall - Dover Maine * Kittery Premium Outlets - Kittery Maryland * Arundel Mills - Hanover * Arundel Mills Marketplace - Hanover * Clarksburg Premium Outlets - Clarksburg * Hagerstown Premium Outlets - Hagerstown * Queenstown Premium Outlets - Queenstown * St. Charles Towne Center - Waldorf Massachusetts * Auburn Mall - Auburn * Burlington Mall - Burlington * Cape Cod Mall - Hyannis * Copley Place - Boston * Lee Premium Outlets - Lee * Liberty Tree Mall - Danvers * Liberty Tree Strip - Danvers * Northshore Mall - Peabody * South Shore Plaza - Braintree * Square One Mall - Saugus * The Shops at Chestnut Hill - Chestnut Hill * Wrentham Village Premium Outlets - Wrentham New Hampshire * Merrimack Premium Outlets - Merrimack * Pheasant Lane Mall - Nashua * The Mall at Rockingham Park - Salem * The Mall of New Hampshire - Manchester New Jersey * Gloucester Premium Outlets - Blackwood * Jackson Premium Outlets - Jackson * Jersey Shore Premium Outlets - Tinton Falls * Menlo Park Mall - Edison * Newport Centre - Jersey City * Newport Crossing - Jersey City * Newport Plaza - Jersey City * Ocean County Mall - Toms River * Quaker Bridge Mall - Lawrenceville * Rockaway Townsquare - Rockaway * The Mall at Short Hills - Short Hills * The Mills at Jersey Gardens - Elizabeth * The Shops at Riverside - Hackensack New York * Finger Lakes Premium Outlets - Waterloo * Roosevelt Field - Garden City * Smith Haven Mall - Lake Grove * The Westchester - White Plains * Walt Whitman Shops - Huntington Station * Woodbury Common Premium Outlets - Central Valley Pennsylvania * Grove City Premium Outlets - Grove City * King of Prussia - King of Prussia * Lehigh Valley Mall - Whitehall * Oxford Valley Mall - Langhorne * Philadelphia Premium Outlets - Pottstown * Pocono Premium Outlets - Tannersville * Ross Park Mall - Pittsburgh * South Hills Village - Pittsburgh Virginia * Apple Blossom Mall - Winchester * Fashion Centre at Pentagon City - Arlington * Leesburg Premium Outlets - Leesburg * Norfolk Premium Outlets - Norfolk * Potomac Mills - Woodbridge * Williamsburg Premium Outlets - Williamsburg The Simon family will share details about memorial services "at a later date." 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