David Simon, Chairman, CEO, and President of Simon Property Group, died on March 22, 2026 at the age of 64 following a battle with cancer. Locally, Simon Property Group owns Clarksburg Premium Outlets, Leesburg Premium Outlets in Leesburg, VA, The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington, VA, and Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, VA.
The company’s board, employees, and family members described him as a transformative leader who built the company into a global retail real estate leader. He is survived by his wife, five children, and seven grandchildren.
According to Simon Property Group, Simon joined the company’s predecessor in 1990 as Chief Financial Officer and led its initial public offering in 1993. He became CEO in 1995 and oversaw decades of growth, including major acquisitions and expansion into international markets, helping establish the company as one of the largest retail real estate firms in the world. He previously worked as an investment banker and earned degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University.
Following his death, the company announced a leadership transition, appointing Eli Simon as CEO and President, while Larry Glasscock will serve as Non-Executive Chairman. The board stated that succession planning had been ongoing and expressed confidence in the company’s leadership team to maintain operations and continue its long-term strategy.
